How to Maximize Social Security Benefits in 2026

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits in 2026: Claiming Strategies, Spousal Benefits & Timing Tips

For many retirees, Social Security is the foundation of retirement income. But the amount you receive isn’t fixed—your choices about when and how you claim can raise (or reduce) your monthly check for life. The best strategy depends on your health, household finances, marital status, and whether you plan to keep working.

Below are the most important ways to maximize your Social Security benefits, including timing strategies, spousal rules, and smart planning tips you can use right now.

1) Know Your Three Key Claiming Ages: 62, Full Retirement Age, and 70

Age 62 (earliest): You can start retirement benefits as early as 62, but your monthly benefit is permanently reduced if you claim before your Full Retirement Age (FRA). The SSA provides reduction details and charts based on your birth year.

Full Retirement Age (FRA): This is the age you qualify for 100% of your earned benefit (your “primary insurance amount”). FRA varies by birth year.

Age 70 (latest for growth): If you delay past FRA, you can earn Delayed Retirement Credits that increase your benefit, but these increases stop at age 70.

Key takeaway: If you’re able to delay, waiting can significantly increase your monthly income—and that can matter even more for couples because higher benefits often translate into higher survivor benefits later.

2) Use “Delay to 70” Strategically (When It Makes Sense)

After FRA, Social Security increases your benefit for each month you delay—up to age 70—thanks to delayed retirement credits.

Delaying often makes sense if you:

• Expect a longer life span (good health/family longevity)

• Want higher guaranteed lifetime income

• Are the higher earner in a couple (helps survivor protection)

Claiming earlier can make sense if you:

• Need income sooner

• Have health concerns or shorter longevity expectations

• Want to reduce withdrawals from investments in early retirement

3) Maximize Spousal Benefits (And Avoid a Common Trap)

If you’re married, you may qualify for a spousal benefit worth up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit at their FRA (not 50% of what they actually receive if they claimed early or late).

Important rules to know:

• You don’t get your benefit plus a full spousal benefit. Due to deemed filing, when you apply you generally receive the higher of your own benefit or the spousal amount—not both.

• Spousal benefits generally do not grow with delayed retirement credits the way your own retirement benefit can.

Practical couple strategy (common approach):
Many couples consider a “split strategy” where the lower earner claims earlier to bring income in, while the higher earner delays to increase the biggest check (and potential survivor benefit).

4) Don’t Overlook Divorced Spouse Benefits

You may be eligible on an ex-spouse’s record if:

• The marriage lasted 10+ years

• You’re currently unmarried (in many cases)

• You meet age and filing rules

This can be a major boost for someone with a smaller personal benefit. (Rules can be nuanced, so verify your situation with SSA.)

5) Plan for Survivor Benefits (This Is Where Couples Win Big)

Survivor benefits are one of the most valuable—yet overlooked—features of Social Security. In many households, the surviving spouse can step into the higher of the two benefits (subject to SSA rules). That’s why maximizing the higher earner’s benefit is often a form of “income insurance” for the surviving spouse.

Simple planning idea: If one spouse has a much larger benefit, delaying that benefit can help protect the survivor later.

6) If You Work While Collecting, Know the Earnings Test

If you claim Social Security before FRA and continue working, benefits can be withheld if you earn above certain limits. In 2026, SSA lists exempt amounts of $24,480 (if you’re under NRA all year) and $65,160 (if you reach NRA during 2026, applying to months before NRA).

Good news: Once you reach NRA/FRA, the earnings test no longer applies, and withheld benefits are accounted for in your benefit calculation over time.

7) Do These 5 Steps Before You File

1. Create or sign into your “my Social Security” account to review your earnings record and estimated benefits.

2. Confirm your FRA and compare projected benefits at 62, FRA, and 70.

3. Run a couples comparison (you vs. spouse, spousal vs. own benefit).

4. Decide how work affects your plan (earnings test if filing early).

5. Coordinate taxes and Medicare timing with your overall retirement income plan.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Benefits

• Claiming early without checking spousal/survivor impact

• Assuming you can collect both full spousal and full retirement benefits (deemed filing usually prevents this)

• Ignoring the earnings test while still working

• Not verifying your earnings record (errors can reduce your benefit)

Bottom Line

Maximizing Social Security is less about one “perfect” age and more about choosing the smartest strategy for your household—especially if you’re married or planning for survivor income. Compare 62 vs. FRA vs. 70, understand spousal rules, and use SSA tools before you file.

For more retirement planning guides, cost-of-living tips, and senior-focused resources, explore more at RetireNet.com.