# Social Security Split Strategy Offers Couples Flexibility in Claiming Decisions
Couples wrestling with when to claim Social Security now have a clearer framework for decision-making. The split strategy, also called the "file and suspend" approach, lets married couples time their benefits claims separately rather than locking into a joint timeline.
Here's how it works. One spouse files for benefits at full retirement age (typically 66 to 67, depending on birth year) and then suspends payments. This allows the other spouse to claim spousal benefits based on the first person's earnings record. Meanwhile, the suspending spouse's own benefit grows by 8 percent annually until age 70, when they claim their full amount.
This tactic removes the guesswork from longevity. Couples don't need to predict who will live longer or which person should delay claiming. Instead, they buy flexibility. The spouse who suspends benefits locks in delayed retirement credits without sacrificing household income immediately. The other spouse receives spousal benefits, which typically equal 32.5 percent of the worker's full retirement age benefit.
The strategy works best for couples with significant income gaps. The higher earner benefits from delaying and maximizing their benefit amount. The lower earner doesn't sacrifice claiming their own benefit early if needed. For couples where both spouses earned similar amounts, the advantage shrinks considerably.
Spousal benefits have income caps. If the spouse claiming spousal benefits earns too much from work, Social Security reduces or eliminates those payments until full retirement age. Full-time workers should verify their earnings don't disqualify them.
Tax implications matter too. Combined household income over $25,000 (for single filers) or $32,000 (for married couples filing jointly) triggers taxation of benefits. The split strategy can sometimes push more of the household's Social Security into taxable income, so