This Could Be the Most Easily Confused Social Security Spousal Benefit Rule -- and It Could Cost You

This Could Be the Most Easily Confused Social Security Spousal Benefit Rule -- and It Could Cost You

Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

Sun, August 9, 2026 at 12:08 PM GMT+3 3 min read

If you were a lower earner during your career or didn't work enough to qualify for Social Security on your own, you may be entitled to spousal benefits to help cover your costs in retirement. But it's important to know how those benefits work.

Some of the rules of spousal benefits are the same as regular Social Security retirement benefits. For example, the earliest age to claim both is 62. And filing ahead of full retirement age, which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, will result in permanently reduced benefits.

Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »

But spousal benefits can add a layer of complexity when filing for Social Security. And it's important to thoroughly understand one key rule that often gets misunderstood.

Delayed retirement credits don't apply to spousal benefits

When you're claiming Social Security based on your own earnings record, you can accumulate delayed retirement credits for each year you hold off on filing past full retirement age. Those credits are worth 2/3 of 1% for every month you wait, or about 8% per year. And you can accrue them until you reach age 70.

But spousal benefits work differently. Social Security spousal benefits are worth up to 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount, which is the benefit they're entitled to when they reach full retirement age.

While claiming a spousal benefit before your own full retirement age will result in a reduction, waiting beyond full retirement age will not result in a boost. You can't grow your spousal benefit beyond what it's worth at your full retirement age, so there's no sense in waiting.

In fact, waiting to file could cost you. Social Security will typically pay up to six months of benefits retroactively. But if you wait until age 70 to claim your spousal benefits, you could end up losing out on a big chunk of retirement income.

Make sure you know the rules

Social Security has no shortage of complicated rules, and some of the program's most complex guidelines apply to spousal benefits. That's why your best bet is to read up on how spousal benefits work well ahead of retirement and figure out the role they'll play in your income.

But the one thing you can easily take away is that when it comes to spousal benefits, your full retirement age is the latest point you should sign up. Waiting will only cost you.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.

Many Americans leave money on the table in retirement. Learn more about these retirement strategies and more, available when you join Stock Advisor.

View the "Social Security secrets" »

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This Could Be the Most Easily Confused Social Security Spousal Benefit Rule -- and It Could Cost You was originally published by The Motley Fool