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.

For the Divorced: The “Ex-Files” Strategy

If you are divorced, you might assume your connection to your ex-spouse’s finances is severed. When it comes to Social Security, that’s not the case. You may be able to claim benefits on your ex-spouse’s record—even if they have remarried—provided you meet specific criteria.

This is one of the most underutilized benefits in the system because many people simply don’t know it exists.

The Eligibility Checklist

To qualify for divorced spouse benefits, you must meet all of the following:

• Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer.
• You are currently unmarried. (If you remarry, you generally lose access to benefits on your ex’s record unless that subsequent marriage ends).
• You are age 62 or older.
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
• The benefit you would receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.

Crucial Note: Your claim has zero impact on your ex-spouse. They will not be notified, their benefits will not be reduced, and it does not affect the benefits of their current spouse if they have remarried.

The “Survivor Switch”: A Widows & Widowers Secret

This is the most powerful tip in this article. While “switching” strategies have been eliminated for standard spousal benefits, they remain alive and well for survivor benefits.

If your spouse (or ex-spouse) passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits, which can be up to 100% of the deceased’s benefit amount.

The Strategy: One Now, One Later

As a surviving spouse, you are not subject to the “deemed filing” rule. This means you can restrict your application to only one type of benefit while letting the other grow.

How it works in practice:

1. Scenario A (Survivor First): You claim the survivor benefit as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled). You collect that check monthly while letting your own retirement benefit sit untouched, earning “delayed retirement credits” (growing 8% per year) until age 70. At 70, you switch to your own boosted benefit.
2. Scenario B (Retirement First): You claim your own small retirement benefit at age 62. You let the survivor benefit grow until you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), at which point you switch to the maximum unreduced survivor benefit.

“Rules surrounding the claiming options for survivors are more nuanced than the two other benefit types. Surviving spouses can switch between their own Social Security benefits and survivor benefits once.” — T. Rowe Price, Retirement Insights

This flexibility allows you to maximize your cumulative lifetime income significantly. It is vital to run the numbers or consult a professional to see which order yields the highest payout for your situation.

2026 By the Numbers: What You Need to Know

To make smart decisions, you need the current data. The financial landscape has shifted for 2026. Use these verified figures to plan your budget.

Data Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA) Updates & COLA Fact Sheets 2025-2026.

Why FRA Matters More Than Ever

For anyone born in 1960 or later, the Full Retirement Age is now 67. This is the age at which you get 100% of your earned benefit. If you file for spousal or divorced benefits before 67, your check will be permanently reduced—often to as little as 32.5% or 35% of the primary earner’s amount, rather than the full 50%.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Benefits

Even with the right strategy, simple errors can derail your income. Watch out for these traps:

1. Remarrying Too Soon

If you are receiving (or hope to receive) benefits on a divorced spouse’s or deceased spouse’s record, be careful about remarriage. Generally, if you remarry before age 60, you lose eligibility for those auxiliary benefits. If you wait until after age 60 to remarry, you can typically keep the survivor benefits from your previous marriage.

2. The “Earnings Test” Trap

If you claim early benefits (before your FRA) and continue to work, the SSA will withhold part of your check if you earn over $24,480 (in 2026). While you technically get this money back later in the form of a recalculated benefit, it can create a severe cash-flow crunch in the short term.

3. Ignoring the GPO and WEP

If you worked in a job that didn’t pay into Social Security (like certain state government jobs or teaching positions), two rules—the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)—could reduce your benefits. The GPO can reduce spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of the amount of your government pension. Always calculate this offset before relying on that income.

Professional vs. Self-Guided: When to Call a Pro

Some people can navigate the SSA website alone, while others need a co-pilot. Here is how to decide.

DIY via SSA.gov if:

• You are single, never married, and simply filing for your own benefit.
• You are married, both spouses are over full retirement age, and the math is straightforward.

Consult a Financial Professional if:

• You are a widow/widower: The “survivor switch” strategy requires precise timing calculations.
• You have a government pension: WEP/GPO rules are complex and often misunderstood.
• You have multiple ex-spouses: You can choose which ex-spouse’s record to claim on (provided marriages lasted 10+ years), but you need to run the numbers to see which is highest.

Your Action Plan

Maximizing Social Security isn’t about gaming the system; it’s about claiming exactly what the law entitles you to. Don’t assume the Social Security office will automatically offer you the highest option—often, you have to ask for it specifically.

1. Check Your Earnings Record: Log in to ssa.gov/myaccount to verify your work history is accurate.
2. Find Your Marriage Certificate (and Divorce Decree): You will need official proof of marriage dates to claim spousal or divorced benefits.
3. Run the Calculator: Use the SSA’s online calculators to estimate benefits for both you and your spouse (or ex-spouse).
4. Ask specifically about “Restricted Application”: If you are a survivor, use this exact terminology when speaking to an SSA representative to ensure you preserve your right to switch benefits later.

Taking an hour to review these rules today could result in hundreds of extra dollars in your bank account every single month for the rest of your life.

The information in this guide is meant for educational purposes. Your specific circumstances—including income, debt, tax situation, and goals—may require different approaches. When in doubt, consult a licensed professional.

Last updated: February 2026. Financial regulations and rates change frequently—verify current details with official sources.