Most Americans treat Social Security as a simple equation: you work, you pay taxes, and eventually, you get a check based on what you put in. But if you are married, divorced, or widowed, that equation changes—and missing the variables could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement.

While everyone is buzzing about the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, a far more lucrative opportunity is often overlooked: Auxiliary Benefits.

You might be eligible to claim benefits based on your current or former spouse’s work record, potentially receiving significantly more than you would on your own. Even better, in specific “survivor” scenarios, you can still use a powerful strategy that allows you to switch between benefits to maximize your lifetime payout.

This guide breaks down exactly how to determine if you’re leaving money on the table.

For Married Couples: The 50% Top-Up

If one spouse earned significantly more than the other during their career, the lower-earning spouse is often entitled to a “spousal benefit.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) guarantees that a spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher earner’s full retirement benefit.

This is not “double dipping”—you don’t get your benefit plus half of theirs. Instead, the SSA looks at your own benefit first. If your own benefit is lower than 50% of your spouse’s benefit, they “top you up” to reach that 50% threshold.

Example Scenario

Let’s say you are eligible for a $900 monthly benefit based on your own work record. Your spouse, who earned more, is eligible for a $2,800 benefit at their Full Retirement Age (FRA).

• 50% of your spouse’s benefit is $1,400.
• Since your $900 is less than $1,400, Social Security will add an extra $500 to your check.
• Total Monthly Benefit: $1,400 (instead of $900).

The “Deemed Filing” Rule

Years ago, couples could use creative strategies like “filing and suspending” to trigger benefits for one spouse while the other’s benefit continued to grow. Those loopholes are largely closed for retirement benefits.

Under current rules, when you apply for Social Security, you are “deemed” to be applying for all benefits you are eligible for. You generally cannot choose to take just your spousal benefit now and switch to your own later. The SSA will automatically pay you the highest amount you qualify for immediately.