Social Security - Choosing When to Claim
Michael Baum, CFP® RICP®
Vice President & Associate Financial Advisor
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. The age at which you decide to begin receiving Social Security benefits will impact how much you receive each month. Claiming earlier means smaller monthly payments, while delaying claiming until later means larger payments. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you determine the optimal age to begin taking Social Security based on your overall retirement plan.
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 work1.
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 retirement1.
read more below
get started on living well
Subscribe to the Fearless Flyer
Get the financial tips and insights you need to fearlessly pursue your goals, plus access to subscriber-only benefits like our Tax Resource Center and more.
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, as it will affect your retirement income. Talk with your financial advisor to make sure that you work together to decide the best time for you to apply for Social Security.
Our team of advisors at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors is available to discuss how Social Security fits into your retirement plan and can help you determine the best age to start taking benefits based on your retirement expenses and other income sources. Schedule a complimentary consultation on our website or call us at (860) 928-2341 and experience what it’s like to work with an advisory team committed to providing you with “Absolute Confidence. Unwavering Partnership. For Life.”
Authored by Vice President, Associate Financial Advisor, Michael Baum, CFP® RICP®. Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. These materials are general in nature and do not address your specific situation. For your specific investment needs, please discuss your individual circumstances with your representative. Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing in the accompanying pages should be construed as specific tax or legal advice. 697 Pomfret Street, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 and 392-A Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084. 860-928-2341. www.whzwealth.com. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/learn.html https://www.cnbc.com/select/when-should-you-collect-social-security/
You & Your Money Podcast
Tune in for market updates and financial tips to help you Plan Well, Invest Well and Live Well.
WHZ on YouTube
Quick Tip videos designed to empower you to reach your financial life goals.