3 Social Security Rules All Retirees Need to Know in 2026

Core Insights - Social Security is a crucial income source for millions of retirees, making it essential to understand its workings as the new year approaches Group 1: Spousal Benefits - Individuals can collect Social Security benefits by accumulating 40 work credits, which can be earned through working and paying taxes on wages [3] - Spousal benefits are available for individuals married to someone eligible for Social Security, allowing them to receive benefits even if they have never worked [4] - Spousal benefits can be claimed starting at age 62, but they will be reduced if claimed before reaching full retirement age [7] Group 2: Claiming and Delaying Benefits - Married individuals cannot claim spousal benefits until their spouse has signed up for Social Security, while divorced individuals can claim without waiting for their ex-spouse [7] - Full retirement age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, and benefits can be delayed past this age for increased payouts, with the maximum delay incentive ending at age 70 [8]