Levanti Wealth

A simple but often overlooked Social Security strategy for married couples:

Spousal benefits.

If one spouse earned significantly more over their working years, the other spouse may be entitled to up to 50% of that higher benefit.

For example:
One spouse qualifies for $4,000 per month
The other qualifies for $1,000

Instead of taking the lower amount, they may be able to receive $2,000 through a spousal benefit.

Over time, that difference adds up in a meaningful way.

What makes this tricky is that this option is not clearly highlighted on your Social Security statement. You have to understand the rule to take advantage of it.

For couples with uneven income histories, this is an important planning opportunity to account for.

If you were married 10+ years and went through a divorce… this is one of those “wait, no one told me that” moments 👀

You might be able to claim up to 50% of your ex’s Social Security benefit
and no, it doesn’t reduce what they get.

But (there’s always a but):
• You’ve gotta be unmarried
• 62+
• And they need to be eligible for benefits

Here’s the real takeaway though…
Social Security isn’t a “just pick and file” decision. It’s more like a chess move. Your timing, your earnings record, and your situation all matter.

We’ve seen people leave real money on the table just by not knowing their options.

If you’re divorced and getting close to retirement, it’s worth slowing down and actually mapping this out before you file.

Because this isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about not accidentally shortchanging your future.

(And yeah… this is general info, not one-size-fits-all advice. Your situation deserves a closer look.)