The decision on when to start claiming social security benefits is a critical one that can significantly impact your retirement income. Choosing the right time to begin receiving benefits can make a big difference in the amount of benefits you receive over time. The decision of when to start social security benefits is personal and will depend on various factors, including your financial goals, retirement plans, and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the best month to start social security benefits.
Why is Choosing the Right Month Important?
The month you choose to start social security benefits is crucial to your retirement income. Starting your social security benefits at the right time can increase your lifetime benefits, whereas starting your benefits too early or too late can lower your benefits and impact your retirement planning. It’s important to consider several factors when deciding on the best month to start social security benefits.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Month to Start Social Security
- Your current financial situation
- Your retirement plans
- Your life expectancy and health
- Your spouse’s benefit eligibility
- Your other sources of retirement income
Once you consider these key factors, you will be able to make an informed decision on the best month to start social security benefits.
When is the Earliest Age You Can Start Social Security Benefits?
The earliest age to start receiving social security retirement benefits is 62 years old. At this age, you can start receiving a reduced benefit amount, which is up to 30% less than your full retirement age benefit. However, if you decide to claim your benefits at age 62, you will receive a permanent reduction in your lifetime payments.
Advantages of Starting Social Security Benefits Early
Starting your social security benefits at age 62 has some advantages:
- You can enjoy immediate retirement income, which can be helpful if you plan to retire early.
- You will receive social security benefits for a longer period than those who delay their benefits.
However, these advantages come with some disadvantages. Starting your social security benefits early can result in a lifetime reduction in your benefit amount.
What is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
Full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you can start receiving your full social security retirement benefits. FRA is 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954. It gradually increases for people born after 1954, with the highest FRA being 67 years for those born after 1960.
Advantages of Starting Social Security Benefits at Full Retirement Age
If you decide to start your social security benefits at FRA, you can enjoy the following advantages:
- You can receive your full retirement benefit without any reduction.
- You can continue to work and receive social security benefits without losing a portion of your benefits. However, if you are younger than FRA and have earned income over a certain limit, some of your benefits may be reduced.
If you start your social security benefits after FRA, your benefit amount will continue to increase until age 70.
When is the Best Month to Start Social Security?
The best month to start social security depends on your personal situation. The best option for one person may not be the best option for someone else. However, certain months have advantages over others when it comes to maximizing your retirement income.
Advantages of Starting Social Security in January
If you start your social security benefits in January, you can enjoy the following advantages:
- You can receive up to one month of retroactive benefits, which can improve your cash flow.
- Starting your benefits in January means that you will receive your first benefit payment in February, which is generally a low-expense month.
Advantages of Starting Social Security on Your Birthday Month
If you start your social security benefits during your birthday month, you can enjoy the following advantages:
- You can celebrate your birthday with a little extra money.
- You can receive your first benefit payment on the month of your birthday, which is a fun and personal milestone.
The Best Month to Start Social Security for Couples
If you are married, you can enjoy some advantages in terms of social security benefits:
- Spousal benefits can increase your retirement income.
- You can coordinate your benefit start date with your spouse to maximize your benefits.
If you are a couple, the best month to start social security benefits will depend on several factors, such as your ages, retirement plans, and financial situation. It’s wise to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best month for you and your spouse to start receiving benefits.
Conclusion
The decision on the best month to start social security benefits can make a big difference in your retirement income. Factors such as your financial situation, retirement plans, and lifestyle can all play a role in your decision. When considering your options, it’s essential to take a well-informed approach and to consult with a financial advisor. Ultimately, the right time to start social security benefits is a personal choice that should take into account your unique needs and goals.
Common Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions people have about social security benefits:
- Can I work and receive social security benefits?
Yes, if you are above your full retirement age, you can continue to work and receive your full benefits. If you are younger than FRA, your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain limit. - What if I start my benefits early and then go back to work?
If you start collecting social security benefits before your FRA and then go back to work, your benefits may be reduced if your earning exceeds a certain limit. - What if I delay claiming benefits?
If you delay claiming social security benefits until after your full retirement age, your benefit amount will increase by 8% every year up to age 70.
References
Here are some resources to help you make an informed decision about your social security benefits:
- Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov
- Official Social Security Calculator: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/when-start-social-security-benefits/