Social Security for married couples is based on each spouse’s individual earnings record, but there are additional spousal and survivor benefits that can increase your household income. Understanding these benefits is key to determining the best filing strategy for your situation, helping ensure you maximize your Social Security benefits and avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

Are you and your spouse getting ready to retire soon? Congratulations on this exciting life change!

As you start planning for retirement, an important question that comes up is, “How are Social Security benefits calculated for married couples?” It’s not just about understanding each other’s benefits; it also involves careful research and strategic planning to determine the best claiming approach for you and your spouse.

Social Security can be complex, but that’s what we’re here for. At Intelliplan Financial, we specialize in simplifying the complex, especially when it comes to retirement planning.

In this blog, we’ll explain what factors are taken into consideration when determining Social Security payments so you can make informed decisions as you plan your future together.

How Does Social Security Work for Married Couples?

To be clear: being married has no impact on your individual Social Security benefit amount. Each spouse is eligible for a Social Security retirement benefit based on their own work record and earnings history.

However, married couples do have additional claiming strategies available that can increase your household income beyond individual benefits alone. Assuming both you and your spouse each qualify for retirement benefits, you will each receive separate benefits and the amounts do not affect each other when claiming benefits individually. This means married couples can both collect Social Security at the same time—each spouse receives their own check based on their individual earnings record, regardless of when the other spouse files.

Let’s explore a few additional claiming strategies the Social Security Administration offers to spouses that may benefit them more than claiming their individual benefits.

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits as a Married Couple

When considering how to maximize Social Security benefits as a married couple, there are several approaches that may help increase your household’s lifetime retirement income.

Worker Benefits

It’s important to understand what your benefit amount will be at full retirement age before deciding when to claim. As we mentioned, each spouse can claim their own benefit, which will be calculated on their lifetime earnings records. Depending on your overall financial situation, it may benefit one or both spouses to take Social Security before full retirement age or delay collecting until they reach their full retirement age or later in order to maximize monthly Social Security payments.

Spousal Benefits

If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the spouse who makes less may have the option to claim a spousal benefit which could give them up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s benefit.

The Social Security retirement spousal benefit is calculated using formulas that consider both spouses’ earnings and age relative to when they wish to begin collecting Social Security, and the higher-earning spouse must have filed for benefits first.

Survivor Benefits

Additionally, an individual may receive Social Security benefits based on the work record of a spouse who is deceased. This can only be done if the deceased’s benefit is higher than the individual’s own benefit amount at the time of the spouse’s passing.

Utilizing one of these methods may help you and/or your spouse benefit from Social Security payments for many years to come.

What Is the Maximum Social Security Benefit for a Married Couple?

Many couples wonder what the maximum possible Social Security benefit might be for their household.

The maximum benefit is different from maximizing your benefits, which means making strategic decisions to get the highest benefit amount you personally qualify for based on your earnings history and claiming strategy.

For 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for an individual retiring at age 70 is $5,108, meaning a married couple where both spouses qualify for the maximum could receive up to $10,216 combined per month.

However, very few people qualify for this amount. To receive the maximum benefit, you would need to earn at or above the Social Security wage base ($176,100 in 2025) for at least 35 years.

Can a Divorced Person Collect Social Security Based on an Ex-Spouse’s Benefit?

Yes, a divorced spouse can collect Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record if certain eligibility requirements are met.

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 62 years old
• Not currently married
• Be divorced from a person who receives, or is eligible to receive, Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Have been married to that person for at least 10 years before the date the divorce became final
• Not be entitled to an equal or higher retirement or disability benefits

Note: The requirement to be divorced for at least two years is waived if your ex-spouse has already filed for their own Social Security benefits.

The benefit you’re entitled to receive based on your own work must be less than the benefit based on your ex-spouse. The benefit based on the former spouse’s record is 50% of the former spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA), reduced if you start prior to your own full retirement age. The benefit amount you receive has no effect on your ex-spouse and/or his or her current spouse’s benefits, and your ex-spouse will not be notified.

When Is Social Security Taxable for Married Couples?

Many married couples are surprised to learn that their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on their combined income. The IRS uses what’s called “provisional income” to determine if your benefits are taxable, this includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest, and half of your Social Security benefits.

For married couples filing jointly, if your provisional income exceeds $32,000, up to 50% of your benefits may become taxable. If it exceeds $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits could be subject to tax. This is where holistic planning becomes particularly valuable, coordinating your various income sources in a tax-efficient manner can potentially reduce the overall tax burden on your Social Security benefits.

Tips for Couples Nearing Retirement Age

For couples nearing retirement age, anticipating Social Security benefits can be both exciting and stressful. It’s important to understand how Social Security benefits are calculated and when you should claim your benefits based on your overall financial situation. Fortunately, there are strategies available to help maximize the potential benefits you receive, but it’s important to plan ahead.

Consider working with a financial advisor who is knowledgeable in holistic planning—including Social Security—and can help you optimize your assets to collectively work towards your goals.

If you have questions about your specific situation, our team at Intelliplan Financial would be happy to help. We offer complimentary consultations to help answer all your questions and get you started on the path to a comfortable retirement.

Schedule your complimentary introductory meeting here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security for Married Couples

Do married couples get two Social Security checks?

Yes. Each spouse receives a separate check based on their own earnings record, though one spouse may receive a spousal benefit (up to 50% of the higher earner’s amount) if that’s more than their own benefit.

How much Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

Up to 50% of the ex-spouse’s primary insurance amount at full retirement age. You must have been married 10+ years, be 62+, currently unmarried, and divorced at least 2 years (unless your ex already filed). Your benefit doesn’t affect your ex-spouse’s payments.

When is Social Security taxable for married couples?

Benefits become taxable when provisional income exceeds $32,000 (up to 50% taxable) or $44,000 (up to 85% taxable) for joint filers. Provisional income = AGI + tax-exempt interest + half your Social Security benefits.

Disclosure: Financial Planning and Advisory Services are offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors (“PCA”), an SEC-registered investment adviser.  Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Intelliplan Financial and PCA are separate, non-affiliated entities. PCA does not provide tax or legal advice. Insurance services offered through Intelliplan Financial are not affiliated with PCA.