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For single retirees, Social Security often serves as a crucial source of income. The same applies to married retirees, who can strategize together to maximize their benefits. In 2026, with rising costs and longer life expectancies, optimizing Social Security becomes particularly important. Coordinate your filing strategies: if both spouses are eligible, delaying claims until age 70 yields an 8% permanent boost per year. For example, filing at 70 instead of full retirement age (67) increases benefits by $480 (for $2,000/month) and $720 (for $3,000/month). The higher earner should delay filing to maximize the boost, while the lower earner can claim benefits at full retirement age or earlier. Spousal benefits allow the non-working spouse to receive up to 50% of the eligible spouse’s benefit at full retirement age. If one spouse passes, survivor benefits provide up to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit. This strategy ensures married couples can increase their lifetime Social Security income through coordinated planning.