For couples: optimal claim ages, survivor benefits, and joint lifetime payout. The biggest factor most retirees miss.
Simplified model. SSA's actual rules include: deemed filing (the post-2015 Bipartisan Budget Act eliminated the 'restricted application' workaround for those born 1954+), 50% spousal max only at FRA (reduced if claimed earlier), and survivor benefits available as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). Use as a directional guide; for an irreversible claiming decision, run the same scenario through ssa.gov's planner or a fiduciary advisor.
