Social security can be confusing enough, but throw in a life partner to the mix and it can seem downright impossible. We’ve got some tips to help you sort through the social security maze and come out happy and financially healthy.

• You can claim benefits based on your own earnings or choose to receive 50% the amount that your spouse is eligible to receive

• While spousal benefits were designed to provide a safety net for stay at home moms, even dual income couples can use them to get more from social security

Scenario 1

Problem: You’re the higher earner and want to increase your benefits by waiting until age 70 to file. But your spouse will receive higher spousal benefits… and can’t collect until YOU file.

Solution: File for Social Security benefits when you reach full retirement age… then suspend them. As long as your spouse is at least 62, they can receive spousal benefits. Meanwhile you can continue to receive delayed credits until age 70.

Scenario 2

Problem: You’re the higher earner and you’ve reached full retirement age, but your earnings aren’t so much higher that you spouse is better off with spousal benefits.

Solution: You can boost benefits by using a strategy known as “Restricting An Application”, here’s how it works:

1. Your spouse claims benefits first
2. You claim spousal benefits based on their earnings
3. You’ll be able to collect spousal benefits while your own benefits continue to grow (You’ll receive 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit even if they’re not 66)
4. You switch to your own benefits at age 70 (Your spouse can switch to a spousal benefits based on your benefits at full retirement age)

Scenario 3

Problem: Two Equal Earners

Solution: For a couple that makes roughly the same amount, here’s how to wait until age 70 to claim your own retirement benefits and claim the maximum amount:

1. One spouse (wife) files for benefits then has them suspended
2. The husband then files a restricted application for spousal benefits
3. At age 70, he switches to his own benefits and the wide ends suspension of her benefits