Key Social Security Moves for Married Couples Before 2026

Key Steps to Prepare for a Secure Retirement

If you’re planning for retirement, it’s never too early to start thinking about your Social Security benefits. Even if you and your spouse aren’t yet eligible to claim, the decisions you make today can have a significant impact on your future financial stability. Here are three essential steps you can take right now to ensure a more comfortable retirement.

1. Check Your Earnings Records

Your earnings records are crucial because they form the basis of how your Social Security benefits are calculated. These records track how much money you’ve earned each year and how much you’ve paid in Social Security taxes. You can access these records by creating a my Social Security account, which is free and requires some identity verification during setup.

Once you have an account, you’ll be able to log in using a username and password. It’s important to review your earnings records annually to ensure that the figures match your income and tax records. For high earners, keep in mind that there is a cap on the amount of income subject to Social Security taxes. In 2026, this cap is $184,500. If you earn more than this, your earnings record may show a lower amount, but this isn’t necessarily incorrect.

If you notice any discrepancies, contact the Social Security Administration. You may need to provide copies of your tax records for the specific year in question. While resolving errors can take time, it’s worth the effort to ensure your benefits reflect your actual income history.

2. Decide When Each Person Will Claim Benefits

It’s essential to sit down with your spouse and create a strategy for when each of you will claim Social Security benefits. This decision plays a critical role in determining how much you’ll receive from the program.

The my Social Security account includes a benefit estimator tool that can help you understand how much you might qualify for at different claiming ages. You can also estimate your spousal benefit if you know the amount your spouse qualifies for at their full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for most workers today.

Claiming benefits early means receiving smaller monthly payments, but you’ll get more checks over time. Conversely, delaying your claim increases your benefit until you reach the maximum at age 70 or your FRA. The best time to claim depends on your financial situation and life expectancy.

If both you and your spouse have similar earnings, you might want to delay claiming as long as possible unless financial constraints or health concerns require otherwise. However, if one person has significantly higher earnings, the lower earner might consider claiming first to help cover household expenses while the higher earner waits. Once the higher earner claims, the lower earner could switch to a spousal benefit if it offers more than their own retirement benefit.

3. Understand How Social Security Fits Into Your Budget

After you have a rough idea of how much you and your spouse will receive from Social Security each month, you can subtract this amount from your estimated monthly retirement expenses. The difference represents the amount you’ll need to cover from other sources, such as savings, investments, or part-time work.

To get a clearer picture of your retirement needs, multiply this amount by 12 to find your annual out-of-pocket expenses. Then, multiply that number by 25 to establish a rough retirement savings target. Keep in mind that this plan isn’t set in stone. If your circumstances change or you decide to retire later, you can revisit your budget and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Maximize Your Social Security Benefits

There are several little-known strategies that could boost your Social Security income. One such strategy could potentially add up to $23,760 to your annual benefits. By learning how to maximize your benefits, you can retire with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Understanding these “Social Security secrets” can make a significant difference in your financial future. Consider exploring these strategies to ensure you’re making the most of your benefits.