When to claim Social Security
Claiming at 62, at full retirement age, or delaying to 70 — Rusty answers member questions about timing, early-claiming reductions, and delayed retirement credits.
When to claim: questions and answers
64 questions answered · page 1 of 3
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Is My Daughter Making a Bad Decision? - Claiming Widow's Benefits Early
Should your daughter claim widow's benefits at 62? Learn how the Annual Earnings Test and Social Security taxes could affect her decision.
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I Was Cheated; I Delayed Claiming SS but Didn’t Get My Full Benefits
Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), which are earned when someone delays claiming until after their Social Security full retirement age, are applied only in January of each year.
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Can My Spouse File at 63 and Then Get Half of Mine When I Later Claim?
If your spouse’s FRA entitlement is less than half of your FRA entitlement, your spouse will get a “spousal boost” to bring his monthly retirement payment up.
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Should I Claim Spouse Benefits Now, or my Own SS Benefit?
My husband is already taking his SS benefits, so I have also wondered if it be advisable to take spousal benefits or full benefits.
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When Should My Wife Claim Social Security?
Assuming her life expectancy is at least average, that is how your wife would get the most cumulative Social Security benefits over her lifetime.
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I Want to do Everything Right When I Claim Social Security
Deciding when to claim your Social Security benefit is a decision you should make only after careful consideration of your personal circumstances.
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Should I Collect Social Security Now or Wait Two Years Until Age 70?
Would it be prudent to file for my own Social Security as soon as possible so that my benefit might be "grandfathered" in before any sudden and drastic cuts occur?
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I’ll be 70 on New Year’s Day - When Should I Apply for Social Security?
I’ll be 70 on New Year’s Day - When Should I Apply for Social Security? - Ask Rusty
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When Will I Get Full Credit for Delaying my SS Retirement?
The time is nearing that I want to move from my current Social Security survivor benefit to my own SS retirement benefit at 70 years of age.
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Demystifying When to Claim Social Security Retirement Benefits
Wondering when to claim Social Security? The decision can impact your retirement income for life. Learn how to choose the right age in your 8-year window.
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About Claiming Social Security Early and Investing It
'As a 63-year-old single lady, I have questions regarding Social Security "early retirement," though I will still be working full time. '
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Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security - Ask Rusty
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Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70?
Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70? - Ask Rusty
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Should I Claim Social Security Early Because it is Going Bankrupt?
Should I Claim Social Security Early Because it is Going Bankrupt? - Ask Rusty
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I’d Like to Retire Early, but Don’t Want My Social Security Reduced
I’d Like to Retire Early, but Don’t Want My Social Security Reduced - Ask Rusty
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Can I Claim My Own SS Benefit Now and Get Half of My Husband’s Benefit Later?
Can I Claim My Own SS Benefit Now and Get Half of My Husband’s Benefit Later? - Ask Rusty
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Can My Wife Get Her Full Spousal Benefit at 62, or Must She Wait?
Can My Wife Get Her Full Spousal Benefit at 62, or Must She Wait? – Ask Rusty
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I'm Turning 70. When Should I Apply for Social Security?
I'm Turning 70. When Should I Apply for Social Security? - Ask Rusty
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What is the Formula for Deciding When to Claim?
What is the Formula for Deciding When to Claim? - Ask Rusty
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What If I Delay but Die Before Claiming Social Security?
What If I Delay but Die Before Claiming Social Security? Ask Rusty
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I’m Approaching 65 – Should I Claim Social Security?
I’m Approaching 65 – Should I Claim Social Security? - Ask Rusty
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Should I Claim Social Security Now?
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security Now?
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Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?
Ask Rusty – Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?
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Can My Wife Claim a Spouse Benefit First?
Ask Rusty – Can My Wife Claim a Spouse Benefit First?
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About Working While Collecting Early Benefits
Ask Rusty – About Working While Collecting Early Benefits
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Will Claiming Early Affect My Wife’s Survivor Benefit?
Ask Rusty – Will Claiming Early Affect My Wife’s Survivor Benefit?
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Can a Widower Get Full Survivor Benefits Early?
Ask Rusty – Can a Widower Get Full Survivor Benefits Early?
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Will My Wife Get a Spouse Benefit When I Claim at 70?
Ask Rusty – Will My Wife Get a Spouse Benefit When I Claim at 70?
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Should I Claim Early Due to Social Security’s Financial Condition?
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Early Due to Social Security’s Financial Condition?
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Is Waiting until 70 Still the Best Plan to Maximize Social Security?
Ask Rusty – Is Waiting until 70 Still the Best Plan to Maximize Social Security?