The Costly Social Security Mistake That Could Hurt Your Spouse for Years

The biggest Social Security mistake isn’t a paperwork error—it’s claiming too early, without your spouse in mind.​ This is because when the higher earner files early (say, at age 62), they receive a smaller benefit than if they had waited to claim later (say, at age 70). And when they do so, their smaller benefit also becomes what their surviving spouse will receive after the higher earner dies.​ That choice can turn an already painful loss into a financial shock that can push a surviving spouse toward poverty.

Treating Claiming as an Individual Decision

Many couples let each spouse decide when to claim benefits without looking at the whole household picture. That approach ignores the fact that the higher earner’s check eventually becomes the surviving spouse’s main Social Security income. Experts stress that Social Security is effectively a joint‑and‑survivor annuity for couples, not a solo retirement payment.

When the first spouse dies, two monthly checks typically drop to one, and household income falls significantly. The surviving spouse keeps the larger benefit, but not both benefits. This can leave a major budget hole. If you’ve only optimized your own claiming age, you may have unintentionally made that gap much larger.

The Higher Earner Claiming Too Early

The most damaging move is often when the higher earner claims Social Security early to relieve short‑term cash pressure. Claiming at 62 instead of your full retirement age (67 if you were born in 1960 or later) permanently reduces the monthly benefit. That smaller amount later becomes the survivor benefit, shrinking your spouse’s guaranteed lifetime income.

One study found that widows whose husbands waited to claim Social Security were less likely to fall into the lowest income level (the lowest 5%)—specifically, their risk was cut about 12% for each year their husband waited.

Steps Couples Can Take To Protect the Surviving Spouse

• Run survivor scenarios: Use Social Security Administration tools or planning software to compare the surviving spouse’s income in various situations, such as if the higher earner claims at 62, at full retirement age, or at 70.
• Delay the higher earner if possible: Consider having the higher earner wait longer, even to 70, to increase survivor benefits.
• Use the lower earner’s benefit for cash flow: If you need income earlier, the lower earner can often claim first while the higher earner delays.
• Stress‑test life on one check: Build a budget using only the projected survivor benefit plus other income, then see whether essential expenses are still covered.
• Coordinate survivor filing strategy: Learn when the surviving spouse should switch from their own benefit to survivor benefits to maximize lifetime income.
• Revisit decisions before filing: Review your plan together, or with an advisor, in the year before either spouse files for benefits.

The Bottom Line

When the higher earner in your household claims Social Security is very important. If they claim too early, it raises the risk that the surviving spouse will live in poverty after the higher earner dies.

When you coordinate your claims, model one‑check scenarios, and seek help when needed, you turn Social Security into durable protection rather than a source of surprise vulnerability.