Retirement Social Security

6 Social Security Moves Married Couples Should Make Before the End of 2026

Smart Social Security strategies couples should act on now.

By Adam Palasciano , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated April 22, 2026

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Planning for retirement as a couple comes with both opportunities and risks. The decisions you make around Social Security benefits can affect not just your income, but your spouse's financial security for decades.

That's why it's important to think beyond individual choices. Coordinating your strategy as a household can help you avoid costly missteps. With 2026 underway, now is a good time to review your plan and make adjustments before claiming decisions become final.

Here are six important Social Security moves married couples should consider before the end of the year.

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Review your earnings records

Your Social Security benefit is based on your lifetime earnings history, so accuracy matters. Each spouse has an earnings record that tracks income subject to payroll taxes, which the Social Security Administration uses to calculate benefits.

You can review your record by creating a "my Social Security" account. Once inside, compare each year's reported income with your own tax records to confirm everything matches.

Keep in mind that in 2026, only income up to $184,500 is subject to Social Security taxes, so higher earnings may appear capped without being incorrect. If you spot errors, contact the SSA and provide documentation — fixing mistakes now can increase your future monthly benefit.

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Consider when each spouse should claim benefits

Timing is one of the most important decisions couples will make. Claiming early means receiving benefits sooner, but at a permanently reduced monthly amount, while delaying can increase payments up to age 70.

Couples should plan together rather than individually. For example, one spouse may claim earlier to generate income, while the higher earner delays to maximize future payments. If both spouses have similar earnings histories, delaying benefits may make sense for both — assuming your finances allow it. But if there is a large income gap, a coordinated strategy can help maximize total household income over time.

Understand how spousal benefits work

Spousal benefits can provide additional income, especially for lower-earning partners. A spouse may receive up to 50% of the higher earner's full retirement age benefit, depending on when they claim.

Timing matters here as well. Claiming spousal benefits before full retirement age reduces the monthly amount, while waiting can help maximize the benefit. However, if the surviving spouse is the caretaker of a qualifying child, the benefit is not reduced.

It's also important to know that you cannot receive both your own benefit and a full spousal benefit — you receive the higher of the two. Understanding this structure can help couples make smarter decisions about when each person should claim.

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Figure out whether you'd be eligible for survivor benefits

Survivor benefits are often overlooked, but they can play a major role in long-term financial security. If one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse may be eligible to receive the higher of the two benefits.

To qualify, you generally must be at least age 60, or age 50 to 59 if disabled, and have been married for at least nine months before your spouse's death. Ex-spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

This is why delaying benefits for the higher-earning spouse can be especially valuable. It not only increases their own payments, but also boosts the survivor benefit the other spouse may rely on later.

Understand how Social Security fits into your budget

Once you estimate your combined monthly benefits, you can begin building a realistic retirement budget. Subtract your expected Social Security income from your projected annual expenses to determine how much you'll need from savings or other sources.

From there, you can estimate your annual income gap and use that to guide your savings targets. A common rule of thumb is to multiply your annual shortfall by 25 to estimate how much you'll need in retirement assets.

This process helps turn abstract numbers into a concrete plan. It also allows you to adjust your strategy if your claiming decisions or retirement timeline change.

Evaluate the potential tax impact of claiming benefits

Social Security benefits may be subject to federal taxes depending on your combined income. For married couples filing jointly, taxes can apply if combined income exceeds certain thresholds, potentially taxing up to 85% of benefits.

This means the timing of withdrawals from retirement accounts can affect your overall tax bill. For example, taking large distributions from a 401(k) or IRA in the same year you claim Social Security could push you into a higher tax bracket.

Coordinating your income sources can help minimize taxes and preserve more of your benefits. Working with a financial professional may help you identify strategies to reduce your overall tax burden.

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Bottom line

Married couples have more flexibility than individuals when it comes to Social Security — but that flexibility also comes with added complexity. Small decisions about timing, coordination, and taxes can have a lasting impact on your total lifetime benefits.

Taking time now to review your strategy, align your decisions, and plan ahead can help you avoid costly mistakes. When executed thoughtfully, these moves can strengthen your overall retirement plan and provide greater financial confidence for both partners.

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