As Social Security benefits continue to be a core part of retirement income, married couples should understand how their combined benefits might look in 2025. Benefits are adjusted each year due to factors like inflation and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), so retirees and those approaching retirement need to stay informed on potential maximum benefits and how spousal rules can impact payments.
Maximum monthly benefits for married couples in 2025
For 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sets maximum individual benefits based on age and earnings. Retirees claiming at the full retirement age (FRA)—which is 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later—could receive up to $3,822 per month. If one delays their claim until age 70, this benefit can increase up to $4,873. In a married couple where both partners have paid into Social Security and delayed benefits until age 70, the maximum monthly combined benefit would be $9,746, which equates to nearly $117,000 annually.
Spousal benefit insights for married couples
- Eligibility and calculation of spousal benefits:
The spousal benefit was created to support individuals who haven’t earned sufficient Social Security credits on their own. Generally, a spouse can qualify for up to 50% of the primary earner’s FRA benefit if they claim at their own FRA. However, claiming benefits before FRA reduces this amount significantly. For instance, claiming at age 62 can reduce the spousal benefit to about 32.5% of the primary earner’s benefit, as the SSA applies a monthly reduction factor for early retirement claims.
- Working partners and maximizing benefits
Even if a spouse has accumulated enough credits to qualify for their own Social Security benefit, they can still opt to receive a spousal benefit if it is higher. This is often handled via the “deemed filing” rule, where the SSA will first pay the retiree’s benefit, then supplement it if the spousal benefit is larger. A retiree, for example, with their own $750 benefit but spousal eligibility of $1,000 would receive the difference, ensuring they receive the larger benefit.
- Impact of divorce on spousal benefits
Divorce introduces unique requirements for claiming spousal benefits. A person can only claim spousal benefits on an ex-spouse’s record if they were married for at least ten years and remain unmarried. If these criteria are met, even the ex-spouse’s remarriage does not affect the benefit. This rule applies regardless of the relationship status of the primary earner, providing continued support for many older Americans with a limited work history.
Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLA)
The annual COLA plays a role in adjusting benefits to reflect inflation, with an increase of 3.2% announced for 2024. This adjustment means that retirees can expect a modest monthly Social Security income increase. The COLA aims to protect Social Security recipients’ purchasing power, which is particularly crucial for couples relying heavily on these payments as an important portion of their retirement income.
Planning for retirement with Social Security
For many married couples, maximizing Social Security benefits involves strategic planning. The higher-earning spouse often delays benefits to 70, increasing the surviving spouse’s benefit when one partner passes away. Additionally, consulting with a financial advisor can be helpful, as they can guide couples through the nuances of when to file and how to coordinate benefits to maximize long-term income.
