For many retirees, Social Security makes up the backbone of their retirement income. But understanding how and when to claim benefits—especially spousal and survivor benefits—isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we invited Heather Schreiber, RICP®, NSSA®, and founder of HLS Retirement Consulting, to join us for this special Cardinal Lesson.

Heather has helped thousands of families navigate the Social Security system, and she brings clarity to some of the most misunderstood topics we hear from our clients every day.

Why Social Security Planning Matters

As Tom puts it in the video, Social Security isn’t just another box to check—it affects everything else in your retirement plan. The age you file, your marital history, whether you’re widowed or divorced, and your earnings all play a role in how much you receive—and for how long.

Heather stresses that Social Security is often 50% or more of a retiree’s income. Mistakes in timing or eligibility can cost you and your spouse thousands of dollars over time.

Spousal and Ex-Spousal Benefits Explained

One area that causes the most confusion is spousal benefits. Heather explains the basics clearly: if you didn’t work enough to qualify for your own benefit, you can still receive up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit—if they’ve already filed. But this percentage is based on your spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefit, not any delayed retirement credits they may have earned by waiting to claim.

Ex-spouses have rights too. If you were married at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and your ex is at least age 62, you may be eligible to collect a benefit based on their work record—even if they haven’t filed yet (as long as you’ve been divorced at least two years).

Dual Entitlement and the Truth About “Switching”

Another source of confusion is what happens when you’re eligible for both your own benefit and a spousal benefit. Many people still think they can claim one and delay the other—but that strategy is no longer allowed. Today, if you apply for benefits, Social Security will pay your own first, and only add a spousal amount if it results in a higher combined payment.

Heather walks through real-life examples of this, especially for spouses with lower earnings histories. If you file early, you may reduce not only your own benefit, but also the spousal portion you’re eventually entitled to—making the long-term impact greater than expected.

Survivor Benefits: What Widows and Widowers Need to Know

Heather emphasizes the unique nature of survivor benefits: they can be up to 100% of what your spouse was receiving at the time of their death, including any delayed credits. And unlike spousal benefits, there is flexibility—you can take one benefit first (such as a survivor benefit) and switch to your own later, or vice versa.

One key point: remarriage after age 60 does not disqualify you from claiming a survivor benefit based on a late spouse’s record (or even an ex-spouse of 10+ years). Many people are told otherwise, and Heather strongly advises against relying solely on Social Security staff for this information.

The Emotional Side of Claiming

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to when to file. Heather encourages couples to consider both the math and the emotion. For example, if one spouse has a significantly higher benefit, delaying their claim can greatly benefit the survivor in the long run—especially if there’s an age gap.

Many retirees are concerned they won’t live long enough to “make waiting worth it,” but Heather reminds us that longevity is increasing—and planning needs to account for that possibility.

Taxes on Social Security

Did you know your Social Security could be taxable? For many retirees, it comes as a surprise. Heather explains how combined income—your adjusted gross income + half of your Social Security + tax-exempt interest—affects how much of your benefit may be taxed.

Even for higher-income households, the tax owed is often far less than expected. And Social Security will always be more tax-friendly than IRA withdrawals, since up to 15% of your benefit will remain tax-free.

Policy Concerns and Future Security

Heather also addresses the elephant in the room: Will Social Security still be around? Despite headlines, she believes it will. She references recent data showing most Americans—regardless of age or political views—support solutions that maintain benefits, even if it means modest tax increases.

So while funding issues need to be addressed, retirees should make decisions based on what we do know, not on fear or speculation.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-watch for anyone approaching retirement—or helping a loved one through it. Whether you’re married, widowed, divorced, or single, the decisions you make around Social Security will shape the rest of your financial future.