One of the most critical decisions you can make regarding your retirement is when you choose to claim Social Security. Deciding when to claim Social Security can make a difference in your monthly bottom line. Making the right choice can result in more money per month as well as more money over your lifetime.
Before You Retire
Your monthly Social Security Benefit amount is calculated based on the number of years you have worked and the taxes you have paid into the Social Security Benefits program. Social Security counts the years you have paid taxes as “credits” for years that you have worked. For example, if you were born in 1929 or afterward, you must have 40 credits to receive Social Security benefits when you retire. This is equal to about 10 years of work.1
Your benefit amount is also calculated by the number of credits you have earned during your working years. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has made it easier for you to verify your expected benefits by setting up an online account. It is worth double-checking your earnings to catch errors, if any, and factor in your expected benefits as you strategize for retirement.1
If you haven't done so already, sign up for a mySocialSecurity account at www.ssa.gov. This is where you will access your work history and benefit information. These numbers are key to making a well informed decisions regarding your Social Security benefits.
What Age Should You Claim?
There are several ages that should be considered when deciding when to claim Social Security.
- Early Retirement Age: The earliest age you can claim Social Security benefits is 62. However, if you claim Social Security early, you will be penalized for not waiting until the full retirement age.1,2
- Full Retirement Age: This is the age when you are eligible to receive the full amount of your Social Security benefits. The full retirement age is calculated based on the year you were born. For example, for those born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age was 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960, the full retirement age goes up to 67.1,2
- Delayed Retirement Age: You can also delay the claim of your retirement benefits until age 70. If you wait until then, you will continue earning benefits. However, benefits stop accruing at age 70, so there may not be any reason to delay the claim of benefits past age 70.1,2
Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is an important decision to make as you approach your retirement age. For married couples, I usually recommend the higher earning spouse delay taking benefits as long as possible, up to age 70. However, the right decision for you will depend on a variety of factors.
Talk with your financial advisor to determine the best time for you to apply for Social Security.
To discuss any of the topics in this blog or to learn more about how we can help you Cross The Bridge To A Confident Retirement, please contact me through my web site mikebranch.net, call me directly at 651-379-3935 or email me at mpbranch@focusfinancial.com.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.