Tool 4 of 4
Social Security timing
When should you start? The answer depends on your benefit, your spouse’s benefit, and how long you expect to live. This tool uses the same math the SSA does.
Claim at 62
$0/mo
Permanent reduction from FRA benefit.
Annual: $0
Claim at FRA (67)
$0/mo
Your full retirement-age benefit (PIA).
Annual: $0
Claim at 70
$0/mo
Maximum benefit, with delayed credits.
Annual: $0
Cumulative lifetime benefits
Lines cross at break-even ages. Above the crossover, the later-claim option has paid out more.
Claim at 62
Claim at FRA
Claim at 70
Married-couple coordination
Strategies that account for spousal and survivor benefits and the household’s combined lifetime payout.
Spousal benefit: up to 50% of higher earner’s PIA. Survivor benefit: 100% of deceased spouse’s benefit, including any delayed credits — the strongest reason for the higher earner to delay.
Tax note: Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be federally taxable depending on combined income (AGI + half of SS + tax-exempt interest). Some states tax SS, most don’t. The numbers shown above are gross benefits before tax.
Want help integrating this into a full retirement plan?
SS timing only matters in the context of your full picture. A Balance Wealth advisor can model it alongside withdrawals, taxes, and Roth conversions.