With all the talk in Washington about the future of Social Security and Medicare, it’s no wonder many Americans are feeling uneasy. For millions of retirees, these programs aren’t just a supplement—they’re a lifeline.
In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, about half of those age 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their income. For one in four, those benefits make up a staggering 90% or more.
While sweeping changes to these programs are unlikely in the immediate future, it’s still wise to prepare for what could happen down the road. More importantly, it’s worth taking a closer look at the strategies available to you right now—especially the ones that don’t get much attention. In this post, we’ll highlight five often-overlooked Social Security claiming strategies that could help you boost your monthly benefit and make the most of what you’ve earned.
#1: Claiming Spousal Benefits—Even If You’re Divorced
One lesser-known Social Security strategy is the ability to claim spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings record—even years after the divorce. If you were married for at least 10 consecutive years, are currently unmarried, and your ex is eligible to receive Social Security benefits (even if they haven’t claimed them yet), you may be entitled to up to 50% of their full retirement benefit without impacting their benefits or financial situation.
This can be especially beneficial if your own benefit amount is significantly lower than what you’d receive based on your ex’s work history. To make the most of this strategy, you must be at least age 62, but the amount you ultimately receive will depend on when you file. Working with a financial professional or using a Social Security optimization tool can help you compare scenarios and decide the best time and way to file for benefits.
#2: Claiming Survivor Benefits Before Your Own
If you’ve lost a spouse, you may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits—an important source of income that can help ease the financial strain of widowhood. What many people don’t realize is that survivor benefits and retirement benefits are separate, and you don’t have to claim them at the same time. This creates a unique planning opportunity to increase your overall lifetime income.
Depending on your age and financial needs, you might choose to begin collecting survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if you’re disabled), allowing your own retirement benefit to continue growing. Since Social Security benefits increase by about 8% each year you delay past full retirement age (up to age 70), this strategy can result in a much higher personal benefit down the road.
#3: Do-Over: Withdrawing Your Claim and Reapplying Later
If you claimed Social Security early and later realized it wasn’t the best decision, there’s a little-known option that gives you a second chance: the withdrawal of benefits.
This do-over provision allows you to cancel your initial application for Social Security benefits within 12 months of filing and reapply later for a potentially higher benefit amount. However, there’s a catch—you must repay all the benefits you’ve received so far, including any spousal or dependent benefits that were paid based on your record.
Why would someone do this? Let’s say you filed for Social Security at age 62, but a few months later, your circumstances changed—perhaps you returned to work, received an inheritance, or realized you didn’t need the income yet.
If you’re still within 12 months of your original claim, you can withdraw your application, repay the benefits received, and reapply later. By waiting until a later age—perhaps closer to age 70—you can earn delayed retirement credits and lock in a higher monthly benefit for life.
#4: Suspending Your Benefit to Earn Delayed Credits
If you’ve already started collecting Social Security benefits but later realize you’d prefer a larger monthly check, you may have the option to suspend your benefits—provided you’ve reached full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year). By voluntarily suspending your benefits, you stop receiving payments and begin accruing delayed retirement credits, which increase your future benefit by about 8% for each year you delay, up to age 70.
This strategy can be especially helpful if your financial situation improves—perhaps you return to work, downsize your home, or receive other income—and you no longer need Social Security to cover your expenses. However, keep in mind that any family members receiving benefits on your record (like a spouse or dependent child) will also see those payments pause during your suspension.
#5: Coordinating With Your Spouse to Maximize Your Household Benefit
For married couples, Social Security isn’t just an individual decision—it can and should be a joint strategy. Coordinating when each spouse claims can have a big impact on your combined lifetime benefits, especially if one spouse earned significantly more during their career.
One common approach is for the lower-earning spouse to begin collecting benefits early, bringing in some income to support your retirement lifestyle. Meanwhile, the higher-earning spouse delays their claim until age 70, allowing their benefit to grow through delayed retirement credits (about 8% per year).
This strategy can result in a much higher monthly check for the higher earner—and that matters, because when one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse is generally entitled to the larger of the two benefit amounts. By thinking strategically and claiming at different times, you can increase both your monthly income and the survivor benefit, helping to protect the financial wellbeing of the household over the long term.
TrueNorth Wealth Is Here to Help
Navigating Social Security can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy can make a meaningful difference in your retirement income—both now and in the years to come. With expert guidance and a personalized approach, you can feel confident you’re making the most of what you’ve earned.
At TrueNorth Wealth, our team of fiduciary CFP® professionals specializes in helping individuals and couples create thoughtful, comprehensive financial plans. We’ll work closely with you to evaluate your options, understand how Social Security fits into your broader retirement picture, and develop a claiming strategy that aligns with your unique goals.
TrueNorth Wealth is among the top Wealth Management firms in Utah and Idaho, with offices in Salt Lake City, Logan, St. George, and Boise. At TrueNorth Wealth, we focus on helping our clients build long-term wealth while maximizing the enjoyment they receive from their money. We do this by pairing our clients with a dedicated CFP® professional backed by an incredible team.
For our team at TrueNorth, it’s about so much more than money. It’s about serving families all across Utah and helping them achieve freedom and flexibility in their lives. To learn more or schedule a no-cost consultation, visit our website or call (801) 316-1875.
