When to Claim Social Security: Weighing Your Options
You can claim Social Security retirement benefits anytime from 62 to 70, and the timing affects your monthly amount for life. Here is how to weigh the trade-offs.
Social Security & retirement
Deciding when and how to take Social Security?
Claiming age, spousal and survivor benefits, taxes on benefits, RMDs and building a retirement budget.
14 guides, page 1 of 2
Full Retirement Age Explained
Your full retirement age determines when you can receive your full Social Security benefit. Learn what your FRA is, why it matters and how it affects early and delayed claiming.
Working While Collecting Social Security: The Earnings Test
If you collect Social Security before full retirement age and keep working, some benefits may be temporarily withheld. Learn how the 2026 and 2027 earnings limits work.
Spousal Benefits: How They Work
Married and some divorced individuals may receive Social Security benefits based on a spouse's work record. Learn who qualifies, how much is possible and how timing matters.
Survivor Benefits: What Families Should Know
Social Security survivor benefits can help widows, widowers and other family members after a worker dies. Learn who may qualify, how much is possible and how to apply.
Understanding Your Social Security Statement
Your Social Security Statement shows your earnings history and estimated benefits. Learn how to access it, what each section means and why checking it matters.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): How Annual Increases Work
Social Security benefits are adjusted each year to help keep up with inflation. Learn how the COLA is calculated, when it is announced, and how Medicare premiums can affect it.
Are Social Security Benefits Taxable? A Plain-English Guide
Depending on your income, up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Learn how combined income works and how to plan for it.
The New Senior Tax Deduction for 2025–2028: What to Know
Tax legislation enacted in 2025 created an additional deduction of up to $6,000 for people 65 and older. Learn who qualifies, how the income phase-out works and how to claim it.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Basics for Retirees
Most traditional retirement accounts require you to start withdrawing money at a certain age. Learn when RMDs begin, how they are calculated and how to avoid penalties.
Creating a Retirement Budget That Works
A realistic budget helps your retirement income cover what matters most. Follow these steps to track spending, plan for irregular expenses and adjust over time.
Building an Emergency Fund in Retirement
Unexpected expenses do not stop in retirement. Learn why an emergency fund matters, how much to aim for and where to keep it so it is safe and accessible.