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.

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

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'll receive a lower monthly payment as compared to 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. Talk with Oliver Asset Management and they may be able to help you decide the best time for you to apply for Social Security.

1. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/learn.html
2. https://www.cnbc.com/select/when-should-you-collect-social-security/

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Advisory services offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Wealth, LLC and Oliver Asset Management are unaffiliated entities. Licensed Insurance Professional. Respond and learn how financial products, including life insurance and annuities can be used in various planning strategies for retirement. The information contained herein is based on our understanding of current tax law. The tax and legislative information may be subject to change and different interpretations. We recommend that you seek professional tax advice for applicability to your personal situation.