Social Security Spousal Timing Calculator
Analyze optimal timing for spousal benefit claims.
Benefit Calculation
Higher Earner
FRA Benefit:$ 2500
Claim Age:67
Actual Benefit:$ 2500
Lower Earner
Own Benefit:$ 600
Spousal Max:$ 1250
Spousal (at claim age):$ 729
Actual Benefit:$ 729 (Spousal)
Timing Rules
Higher Claim Year:2026
Lower Spousal Eligible:2026
Spousal benefit requires higher earner to have filed. Lower earner cannot claim spousal until higher earner claims.
Strategy Comparison
Both Claim Now
$ 3229/mo
$ 38750/yr
Higher Delays to 70
Before switch: $ 600/mo
After switch: $ 4350/mo
Delay Strategy Analysis
Years to Delay Higher:3
Benefit at 70:$ 3100
Lower earner can claim own benefit while waiting, then switch to higher spousal benefit when higher earner claims.
Spousal Timing Rules
- Spousal benefit cannot start until higher earner files for benefits
- Lower earner can claim own benefit earlier, then switch to spousal
- Spousal benefit is reduced if claimed before FRA (~6.67% per year)
- Maximum spousal benefit is 50% of higher earner's FRA amount
- Lower earner gets higher of own benefit or spousal benefit
- Consider survivor benefit when deciding higher earner's claim age