Scenario #1
One Spouse Earns More than the Other
• Higher earner may want to delay to age 70
• Lower earner may want to collect at full retirement age
• Assumption: At least one spouse anticipates a long life
• Benefit: Higher benefit for survivor plus current benefits sooner
Scenario #2
Both Spouses Have Similar Lifetime Earnings
• Both spouses may want to delay to age 70
• Assumption: Both spouses anticipate a long life
• Benefit: Higher benefit for both spouses
Scenario #3
Only One Spouse Has Earned Income
• Earner spouse may want to delay to age 70
• Advantage: Highest survivor benefit
• Earner spouse may want to claim at full retirement age
• Advantage: Best for spousal benefit
Watch the full episode, Avoid Social Security Letdown