Sarah Hickey, Social Security and retirement expert: “Most married couples make this mistake and lose tens of thousands of dollars”
While Americans can begin to apply for Social Security benefits when they turn 62, it may not be the best time to do so and cost them thousands of dollars.
The number of people applying to begin receiving Social Security benefits has been on the rise in recent years. In 2025, it is estimated that that almost 4 million Americans will file retirement benefit claims, up from roughly 3.4 million the previous year.
Americans can begin to apply for Social Security retirement benefits when they turn 62. However, it may not be the best time to do so and cost them thousands of dollars.
Claiming benefits too early is a mistake especially common among married couples according to Sarah Hickey. The retirement income specialist at Smart Retire posted a video on TikTok explaining what married couples nearing retirement should keep in mind regarding their Social Security benefits.
Married couples have two different Social Security benefits to consider
Hickey shares that married couples have two benefit options in play when they apply for Social Security retirement payments, personal and spousal. While your personal benefit is based on your own work history, the spousal benefit is based on your husband or wife’s work record.
This can be worth up to half of your spouse’s retirement age benefit, “but only if you claim in the right time and right order,” Hickey warns.
“This is where a lot of couples get it wrong,” she says. “One spouse turns 62, and they both trot into the Social Security office, file immediately, and no one ever stops to ask: ‘Should both of us be filing right now? Should one of us wait? Which benefit should we actually be taking first?’”
@sarahhickeywealth 🛑 STOP! Don't file at 62 yet! The race to the Social Security office on your 62nd birthday is one of the most common retirement mistakes I see. 🏃♂️💨 If you are married, you have TWO benefits in play. Coordinating them correctly is the difference between "getting by" and maximizing your income. I have a free guide that explains exactly how to optimize this. Comment GUIDE to get it! #retirementmistakes #socialsecuritytips #financialadvisor #moneyhacks #boomers ♬ original sound - Sarah Hickey
This is one of the most expensive mistakes Hickey sees married couples make. She warns that one wrong move can permanently reduce your monthly checks for the rest of your lives.
On her TikTok page she has posted a number of videos offering advice on different situations Americans might find themselves in as they approach retirement. But remember, “there is no one-size-fits-all strategy with Social Security.”
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