As you said, the difference is small.
My instinct is for spouse to wait to claim until you stop working, spouse age 66 or thereabouts. Her benefit is roughly actuarily neutral so she will get a bigger benefit for fewer months. And wait until your combined tax rate drops.
The key is for you to wait for age 70, as that creates the largest survivor’s benefit. On average (over 50%), one spouse will live into their 90s.
My instinct is for spouse to wait to claim until you stop working, spouse age 66 or thereabouts. Her benefit is roughly actuarily neutral so she will get a bigger benefit for fewer months. And wait until your combined tax rate drops.
The key is for you to wait for age 70, as that creates the largest survivor’s benefit. On average (over 50%), one spouse will live into their 90s.
Statistics: Posted by David Jay — Sat Oct 04, 2025 5:16 pm — Replies 1 — Views 123