10/25/2026
A lot of couples ask me:
“Should we both wait until 70 to claim Social Security?”
But there's another number they should calculate first:
The potential spousal benefit.
Let's look at a simple example.
Meet David and Susan
David's estimated benefit at full retirement age : $3,600/month
If he waits until 70: $4,464/month
Susan's own benefit: $900/month
But based on David's full-retirement-age benefit, Susan could potentially qualify for a spousal benefit of up to: $1,800/month
That's double her own benefit.
Here's the important part:
Susan generally can't receive a spousal benefit based on David's record until David files for his own Social Security.
So if David waits until 70, that decision could affect when Susan can receive her spousal benefit.
This is why “Wait Until 70” isn't automatically the answer.
Couples should look at three numbers:
1. Spousal Benefit
How does one spouse's benefit compare with up to 50% of the higher earner's full-retirement-age benefit?
2. Break-Even Age
How long would you need to live before delaying benefits produces more total lifetime benefits than claiming earlier?
3. Survivor Benefit
If one spouse dies, the surviving spouse generally keeps the larger Social Security benefit rather than both checks.
That makes the higher earner's claiming decision especially important.
Here's the bigger lesson:
Don't make your Social Security decision based on:
“My friend waited until 70.”
Or:
Everyone says you should claim at 62.
Look at your household numbers.
Compare:
62 → Full Retirement Age → 70
Then consider:
* Your own benefit
* Spousal benefits
* Survivor benefits
* Your health and longevity
* Other retirement income
* Taxes
* Your overall retirement plan
Because the goal isn't simply to maximize one person's Social Security check.
It's to create the strongest income strategy for both spouses
Follow DarshVardan Financial for more retirement and wealth-building tips that nobody taught us.
Save it and Send this to someone who need this information.