Social Security Q&A: Each will benefit fully
Social Security Q&A: Each will benefit fully

Published: May 4, 2008

Q: If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, will we each get our full retirement amounts or is there a reduction?

A: When each member of a married couple works and earns enough credits to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, their lifetime earnings are calculated independently to determine their Social Security benefit amounts.

Each of you will receive a monthly benefit amount based on your own individual earnings; there is no "marriage penalty.”

Q: I've reached my full retirement age, but I don't feel like retiring. If I decide to hold off for several more years, will my Social Security retirement benefit increase?

A: Yes. If you decide to delay your retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your benefit will be increased by a certain percentage each year — up to a total of 8 percent. These increases, called delayed retirement credits, will be added in automatically from the time you reach full retirement age until the time you begin taking benefits or reach age 70, whichever comes first. This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213; TTY (800) 325-0778.

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