These Retirees Definitely Should Not Delay Their Social Security Claim

Group 1 - Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 generally results in higher monthly payments and increased lifetime benefits for retirees, with 70% of retirees benefiting from this strategy [1] - Claiming Social Security benefits at full retirement age is crucial for those seeking spousal benefits, as waiting until this age allows for a 50% claim of the spouse's primary benefit [3][4] - Individuals claiming their own retirement benefits can earn delayed retirement credits, increasing their payments by 24% if they wait until age 70, unlike those claiming spousal benefits who do not receive such credits [5][6] Group 2 - Spousal benefits max out at 50% of the higher-earning spouse's primary benefit at full retirement age, and cannot be claimed until the higher earner files for their own benefits [7]