Do not look at each spouse alone. Compare how both start dates change monthly income, savings withdrawals, taxes, and the check a surviving spouse may receive.
Know the three age markers
Social Security retirement checks may start at 62. Starting before your full retirement age lowers the monthly check. Waiting can raise it until age 70.
Each spouse should get an estimate from Social Security. Do not rely on a percent of pay or a calculator's sample number.
Model the bridge before choosing the date
If you wait, something else must pay the bills. That may be work, cash, investments, retirement accounts, or the other spouse's income.
A bigger check later can still be a bad trade if waiting drains your savings. Put the waiting years into the plan.
Give survivor income its own column
After one spouse dies, one Social Security check usually ends. Many bills do not. When the higher earner starts benefits can change the check left for the surviving spouse.
Run the plan with either spouse dying first. A plan that works for two people may leave one person short of money.
Compare at least three household timelines
Start with three choices: both start early, both start near full retirement age, or the higher earner waits while the lower earner starts sooner.
For each choice, list the monthly checks, savings used while waiting, taxes to check, and the check left for a survivor. Then weigh health, work, and how long each person may live.
Recheck the decision before filing
Benefits, work records, family facts, and laws can change. Check the choice once a year and again before either spouse applies.
A calculator can show the choices. Get qualified help when taxes, family benefits, or filing rules make the choice hard.
Primary sources
Rules and limits change. Use these official sources to verify details for the year in which you act.
See what your current numbers imply.
Start with a transparent estimate, then use this guide to decide which assumption deserves a deeper look.
Use the retirement calculator →