CLAIM SPOUSAL BENEFITS FIRST
Being married has its advantages as far as Social Security is concerned. When one spouse files for benefits, the other may collect up to half that amount, assuming both spouses are at least 62. This is a boon to couples where one spouse didn’t earn any credits toward Social Security or earned significantly less than the other. For example, if a husband and wife retire at 66 with full retirement benefits — she at $1,500 a month and he at $600 a month — he can file for spousal benefits worth $750 instead of his own Social Security. Meanwhile, the value of his benefits continue to increase until age 70; at that point, he will receive the greater of the two. Note that spousal benefits are reduced for people younger than full retirement age.