Spousal Social Security Benefits

The best way to maximize spousal benefits is to have the higher earning spouse wait to age 70 to apply for benefits and have the other spouse apply at say age 66 under their account. The lower earning spouse will get 100% of their benefit assuming full retirement age at 66 and then can switch to receiving 50% of the higher earning spouse when that spouse applies for benefits at age 70 assuming that amount is higher. Your family can then end up  with a max of 150% of the higher earning spouse's benefit. If your spouse dies, you can apply for 100% of their benefit as early as age 60. You can receive benefits based on an ex spouse's record if you are unmarried and were married to the ex spouse for at least 10 years.