Should the higher-earning spouse delay Social Security?
There is no single right answer, but the higher earner's decision is a household decision rather than an individual one. Delaying past full retirement age increases the higher earner's own benefit through delayed retirement credits until age 70, and SSA uses a deceased worker's delayed credits to increase the widow(er)'s benefit.
That survivor effect is the part most often overlooked: whichever spouse lives longer may continue on the larger benefit. Delay does not increase a living spouse's spousal benefit, and it has costs — more years funded from savings, and less total benefit if both spouses' lives are shorter than expected.
We do not recommend a claiming age or compute a break-even age here. The decision turns on health, other income, savings, taxes and both spouses' records, and SSA confirms the amounts.
Reviewed by Bay Area Wealth Advisors. Last reviewed 2026-09-24. Educational information only — not individualized financial, tax or legal advice.