Most married couples are leaving Social Security money on the table — here's how to claim it all

Social Security benefits for married couples are becoming one of America’s biggest retirement conversations in 2026. The average dual-income retired couple now receives nearly $50,000 yearly in Social Security payments. Yet millions still lose thousands because they claim too early or misunderstand spousal benefit rules. Rising inflation, healthcare costs, and retirement pressure have pushed Social Security retirement income into the center of household survival planning.