Choosing when to claim Social Security is one of retirement’s most consequential income decisions. The starting age affects the monthly benefit for life, influences the payment available to a surviving spouse, and determines how much of early retirement must be funded from savings. There is no universally correct age. The strongest decision connects Social Security to health, longevity, marital status, taxes, work plans, and the rest of the household balance sheet. Begin with official estimates rather than a rule of thumb. Review your earnings record and compare benefit amounts at several ages in a my Social Security account. An omitted…
Source: View original article