If you’re like many Americans, you might be planning on using Social Security as a key income stream in retirement, which is why it’s important to be aware of all the benefits that may be available to you. Married, divorced, or widowed—there are a several Social Security claiming strategies to consider. For instance, in addition to (or often instead of) your own retirement benefits, if you're married you may be able to access a spousal benefit which can be up to 50% of your spouse’s, or even an ex-spouse’s, full retirement age benefit. In addition, upon the first death, the survivor, or even a divorced surviving spouse, may be able to access a survivor's benefit which is generally the higher of your own benefit or the benefit of the deceased. 

In this Retirement Daily article, Crafting a Social Security Claiming Strategy with Multiple Benefits, Covisum® Founder and President, Joe Elsasser, CFP®, offers some tips for crafting a Social Security strategy when multiple benefits are available to you.