Will My Social Security Benefit be Reduced?
Social Security has been undergoing changes due to funding concerns, and it looks like there may well be more in the future. This leads to many of our clients asking us “Will I receive the Social Security benefits we planned for?” Let’s take a look:
At what age can you collect Social Security?
For anyone born in 1960 or after, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67. If you were born before 1960, you will be eligible for a full Social Security benefit between 66-67 years old, depending on your birth year.
Can you collect benefits on your own work history?
The answer for most people is yes, but it depends on how long you have been in the workforce. If you haven’t paid into Social Security for at least 10 years, your benefits will be reduced.
Special Situations
If you are married and don’t have a work history see the “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Spouse?” flowchart.
If you are widowed see the “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?” flowchart.
If you are divorced see the “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Divorced Individual?” flowchart.
At what age will you start taking Social Security?
As discussed above, the Full Retirement Age is typically around 67 years old. You can, however, elect to start Social Security as early as 62 or as late as 70. The later you postpone your benefits, the larger your monthly check will be going forward. To learn more about how much benefits you can expect to receive, and how you can increase your Social Security payout during retirement, check out our chart here.
If you would like to schedule a call to talk about the best strategy for taking Social Security, give us a call at 303-440-2906 or click here to schedule a time to speak with us.
Robert J. Pyle, CFP®, CFA is president of Diversified Asset Management, Inc. (DAMI). DAMI is licensed as an investment adviser with the State of Colorado Division of Securities, and its investment advisory representatives are licensed by the State of Colorado. DAMI will only transact business in other states to the extent DAMI has made the requisite notice filings or obtained the necessary licensing in such state. No follow up or individualized responses to persons in other jurisdictions that involve either rendering or attempting to render personalized investment advice for compensation will be made absent compliance with applicable legal requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. It does not constitute investment or tax advice. To contact Robert, call 303-440-2906 or e-mail info@diversifiedassetmanagement.com.
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