Most Americans see marriage as a sacred trust. Marriage serves as a bond of love. That includes family, work, children, and finances. During retirement, Social Security benefits for married couples may seem complicated. In fact, there are many Social Security marriage myths.

For instance, many believe that they’ll receive 50% of their spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit. Yet, that is not often the case. And misconceptions continue when it comes to claiming survivor benefits.

Other myths are common and explained in this recent article from Motley Fool. Yet, why do so many retired Americans believe these fallacies?

At NORA, we believe that Social Security beneficiaries have been treated unfairly. Seniors expect to receive all they earned through lifetimes of service, so it’s understandable why some might buy into these Social Security marriage myths.

The best way to treat seniors fairly is through a logical, consistent cost-of-living-adjustment, or COLA. With a guaranteed 3% COLA, married seniors can plan their futures together securely with fewer risks.

And with COLAs being low or missing this past decade, we believe that seniors should be compensated for that loss of earned income. That is why we advocate for a COLA retroactive to 2010.

Do you believe likewise? If so, make your voice heard! Please read and consider signing our Benefit Reimbursement Petition to Congress. It only takes a minute, but it can make all the difference in retirement.

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