The end of a clever loophole is really just a reminder that retirement success depends on adapting, not clinging to the past.
For years, a savvy strategy for married couples was the “file and suspend” rule. One spouse, typically the higher earner, would claim their benefits at full retirement age, then immediately suspend them. This allowed the other spouse to claim a spousal benefit while their own primary benefit continued to grow. It was a clever loophole that put extra money in people’s pockets, but like all good things, it came to an end. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 essentially eliminated this move, sending a ripple of disappointment through the retirement planning community.
But don’t throw in the towel just yet. The end of one strategy doesn’t mean the end of all strategies. The new rules might have closed a door, but they didn’t lock the whole house. There are still many ways to maximize your Social Security benefits and squeeze every last drop of value out of your hard-earned money. From delaying your benefits to coordinating with your spouse, the game has changed, but the goal remains the same: a comfortable retirement. Let’s look at 10 smart moves that can still put you ahead.
The Higher Earner Delays, While the Lower Earner Claims Early
In many marriages, one person has a significantly higher earning history than the other. In this case, it makes sense for the higher earner to delay their benefits as long as possible. The lower earner can claim their benefits at their full retirement age or even earlier. The earlier claim provides an income stream for the couple while the higher earner’s benefit grows. This is a good move because when the higher earner passes away, the lower-earning spouse will receive a larger benefit as a survivor.
Delaying Your Benefits Past Full Retirement Age
This is a powerful and straightforward strategy. By waiting to claim your benefits until after your full retirement age, you earn what are called delayed retirement credits. For every year you wait, your benefit increases by about 8%, up until age 70. That’s a huge bump. For example, a person with a full retirement age of 67 who waits until 70 would see their monthly benefit increase by 24%. It’s a simple act of patience that pays dividends for the rest of your life. According to USA Today, only about 10% of retirees wait until age 70 to claim their benefits.
Claiming a Spousal Benefit While Delaying Your Own
This is a key strategy for couples today. A spouse can claim a spousal benefit at their full retirement age while allowing their own primary benefit to continue growing. This option is only available if the other spouse is already receiving their own Social Security benefits. It allows one person to establish an income stream while the other’s benefits increase over time. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too, as a retiree.
Maximizing a Survivor Benefit
This is a crucial consideration for a couple. When one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse gets to keep the larger of the two Social Security benefits. A survivor’s benefit can be as high as 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit. This is another reason for the higher-earning spouse to delay their claim until age 70. That bigger check will go to the surviving partner and can make a world of difference. According to AARP, almost 4 million Americans receive a survivor’s benefit.
Working While Claiming Benefits
If you claim your benefits before your full retirement age and continue to work, your benefits could be reduced. The Social Security Administration has an earnings test. In 2025, if you are under your full retirement age for the entire year, they deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above a specific limit, which was $23,400. However, once you reach your full retirement age, the earnings test disappears. This rule gives you an incentive to keep working and earning a good salary without worrying about a benefit reduction.
Understanding the Impact of Your Birth Year
Your full retirement age for Social Security depends entirely on the year you were born. It’s a simple fact that has a significant impact on your planning. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it was 66. Knowing your exact full retirement age is the starting point for all of your planning.
Considering Your Life Expectancy
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This one might sound a little morbid, but it’s a critical part of the equation. If you and your spouse have a long family history of living to a ripe old age, delaying your Social Security benefits makes a lot of sense. The larger monthly checks will add up over time. But if you have health issues or a shorter life expectancy, claiming earlier could be a better option. It’s all about doing the math for your situation.
The Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits (for a Small Group)
While the “file and suspend” strategy is gone, a different rule still applies to a tiny and specific group of people. If you were born before January 2, 1954, you can still claim only a spousal benefit at your full retirement age. You can then let your own retirement benefit continue to grow until age 70. This grandfathered rule is a financial boon for those who can take advantage of it.
The Importance of Checking Your Earnings Record
The Social Security Administration has an online portal called My Social Security. It’s essential to check your earnings record on this site regularly to ensure its accuracy. Your future benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years. If your earnings record is wrong, it could mean you’re missing out on money you’re owed.
Divorced Spouses Can Still Claim
If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you may be able to claim a benefit based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record. This is a big one that many people don’t know about. You can claim this benefit if you are at least 62 and are divorced. Better, even if your spouse voluntarily suspends his or her retirement benefit, you can continue receiving a divorced spousal benefit.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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