Determining when to take Social Security relies on the circumstances. One can start taking Social Security benefits by age 62. It is age 60 if the individual is a survivor of another benefit claimant. Furthermore, there is no age limit if an individual claims for a disability Social Security benefit. Some individuals wait till they reach 70 years or the full retirement age to maximize the benefits. There is no right or wrong claiming age, but delaying Social Security is beneficial over a long retirement. The article focuses on the social security guide and seeking the maximum benefits.
What is Social Security?
It is a benefits insurance program for survivors of old age and disabled in the US. The Social Security program is under the Federal agency known as the SSA (Social Security Administration) and has a reputation for retirement benefits. Additionally, the insurance program offers survivor benefits and consistent income for employees or workers who become disabled.
Noteworthy Points
- The Federal insurance program benefits qualified candidates and their spouses and children.
- Employees/Workers should be at least 62 years old and have paid in the program for over ten years to qualify for the benefits.
- Workers who delay collecting Social Security benefits till they are 70 years old receive high monthly benefits.
- The benefit amount is calculated on AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings) during the highest 35 years of earning, and it varies from one individual to another,
- Individuals who fail to work due to a disability are eligible for benefits. Additionally, surviving spouses and children are eligible for the same.
How do you determine when to take the Social Security benefits?
The following factors act as a social security guide and determine when to seek the benefits.
Cash Needs
If an individual plans for an early retirement with adequate resources, he can be flexible about when to take the benefits. However, when a person relies on Social Security benefits for day-to-day life, there are fewer choices. With restricted resources, the individual should consider working part-time or delaying retirement and maximizing the Social Security benefits.
Life Expectancy
Taking early Social Security benefits curtails a lot of perks, but there is a consistent amount for a long. However, delaying the Social Security benefits results in fewer checks during the period, but the amount is significant. If the Social Security insurance holder believes in living beyond the average life expectancy, waiting for a larger monthly amount is a good idea. However, people with poor health conditions or who don’t believe in beating the average life expectancy should take the Social Security benefits earlier.
Marital Status
If an individual is married, he should start taking the spouse’s Social Security benefits, especially if the spouse is high-earning. For instance, at the full retirement age, the individual can claim either 100% of his retirement benefits or 50% of his spouse’s, whichever is higher. In a divorce, an individual can receive an ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits (50% of the full retirement benefits) if the marriage lasts ten years or more. It doesn’t affect the current spouse’s Social Security benefits. When a widow seeks Social Security benefits, receives retirement benefits or up to 100% of the late spouse’s benefits, whichever is higher. A financial planner advises with the best social security guide. The combination of spousal, survivor, and worker benefits works best for a widow.
Employment Status
Earning a consistent wage and even self-employment income reduces the benefit for a limited time if early Social Security benefits are taken. Suppose an individual is still employed and hasn’t reached full retirement. In that case, a deduction of $1 in Social Security benefits for every $2 earned above the yearly limit ($21,240 as per the 2023 policy). In the full retirement age year, the reduction is $1 for every $3 earned above the highest limit ($56,520 as per the 2023 policy). During the month of the full retirement age, there is no deduction from Social Security benefits, irrespective of earnings. The reduction in Social Security benefits during the employment year results in higher benefits and is paid back at the beginning of the full retirement age.
Conclusion
From the Social Security guide, it is clear that people either take the benefits early or delay them till the full retirement age. If there is a choice and good health persists, experts recommend delaying taking the Social Security benefits to maximize the benefits.
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