5 Things to Know Before You Claim Social Security

There are three ways to apply for retirement benefits, but the easiest, and probably fastest, is digital. You can complete the entire process online in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You’ll need to have a My Social Security account at the SSA website and be ready to provide some personal and financial information — the SSA provides a checklist.

The other two ways are by phone through the SSA’s national helpline (800-772-1213) or in person at a local Social Security office (in which case you'll need to call ahead and book an appointment). These methods allow for direct contact with a Social Security representative if you have questions or need assistance, but know that you might have to wait in line at an office or on hold if you call. The average hold time for calls to the SSA helpline spiked to more than 40 minutes in late 2023 but was down to about 16 minutes in November 2024.

Social Security was never meant to be the only source of income for older Americans. On average, retirement benefits replace about 40 percent of your pre-retirement earnings. (The "replacement rate" will be higher for lower-income workers, lower for those with bigger incomes.) Financial advisers’ general rule of thumb for a secure retirement is replacing 75 percent to 80 percent of your working income. That means relying on more than Social Security.

Saving steadily in an individual retirement account (IRA) or a workplace plan like a 401(k) can be key to securing a steady income in retirement. Other potential income sources include pensions, rental property, annuities and continuing to work.

You can work while receiving retirement benefits, but under Social Security’s earnings test, a portion of your monthly payment may be temporarily withheld if you have not reached full retirement age.

Here’s how that works in 2025. If you are working, collecting benefits and will not reach FRA until a later year, Social Security will deduct $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $23,400. If you will reach FRA in 2025, you can earn $62,160 before benefits are withheld, and they are withheld at a lower rate: $1 for every $3 you earn above the threshold. When you hit FRA, the earnings test goes way, and Social Security increases your benefit so that the previous withholding is returned to you over time.

Since 1984, Social Security benefits have been subject to federal income tax, depending on what the IRS calls your “combined” income. That’s adjusted gross income (as figured on your 1040 form) plus tax-exempt interest income plus 50 percent of your Social Security income. If that figure is $25,000 or less for an individual or $32,000 or less for a married couple filing jointly, benefits are not taxed. Above those thresholds, a portion of your Social Security income is taxable. To see how big a portion, use the IRS’ online benefit tax tool .

Most states do not tax Social Security income, but some do, to varying degrees. If you live in Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah or West Virginia, you may owe state tax on benefits you received in 2025.

If you’re married, deciding when to start your benefit can have a big impact on what your spouse may qualify to get from Social Security, now or down the road. For example, if you earned considerably more than your mate in working life, they may qualify for spousal benefits on your earnings record. These can be up to 50 percent of your full retirement benefit and provide a meaningful boost to household income. But they can’t collect a spousal benefit until you file your claim.

Survivor benefits are another consideration. If you take a reduced retirement benefit by claiming early, or boost your payment by waiting, those choices will be reflected in what your spouse may get from Social Security after you’re gone. ​ ​