When to Apply for Social Security Is an Individual Decision

2. How long do you expect to be employed?

If you are still working and your income allows you to make ends meet, delaying Social Security could be a smart move, and not just because it means getting a bigger benefit, permanently. You also don’t have to worry about a temporary benefit reduction due to Social Security’s earnings test. 

People who claim retirement benefits before full retirement age and continue to work are subject to the test, which reduces benefits if they earn over a certain amount from work. In 2026, the SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 in work income above $24,480.

But what if, say, you recently lost your full-time job due to downsizing and are scraping by on gig work? If you’re having trouble paying your bills, you might need to file for Social Security early, even though you are locking in a smaller monthly payment.

3. Do you have other sources of income?

If you have other money you can live on for a while, such as a pension or annuity, income from a part-time job or rental property, or a healthy nest egg, most financial planners generally advise holding off on applying for Social Security. That way, you can maximize your benefit.

4. What are your spouse's benefit options?

If your spouse expects a small payout from Social Security due to a limited work history, your earnings record could bump up their amount. This spousal benefit could be 32.5 to 50 percent of the amount of your full Social Security retirement benefit (that is, the amount you would get by claiming at full retirement age), depending on your mate’s age when filing.

Your age when you claim doesn’t affect how much your spouse gets: The spouse benefit is always based on a percentage of your full retirement age benefit, even if you actually claimed early and get less than that. However, your mate can’t receive the spouse benefit until you have filed for your retirement benefit, so your timing decision can affect their Social Security options — and your household income.

5. Will someone get your benefit when you die?

When a beneficiary dies, the surviving spouse and, in some cases, ex-spouse may be eligible to receive a survivor benefit equivalent to the deceased’s entire Social Security payment (as long as that exceeds the survivor’s own retirement benefit; they’ll get the higher of the two amounts). 

Unlike spousal benefits, survivor benefits are higher if the late spouse delayed claiming Social Security, so waiting to start your benefit safeguards a higher potential payment for a mate who outlives you. This can be a particularly important consideration in retirement planning for husbands and wives, as women typically live longer and earn less during their working lives.

In most cases, surviving spouses must be at least age 60 to claim these benefits (there are different rules for survivors who have a disability or are caring for children who are under 16 or have a disability). However, as with retirement and spouse benefits, starting earlier reduces payments. You only get 100 percent of your late partner’s benefit if you claim survivor benefits at your full retirement age. 

Look at your total financial picture

Don’t choose when to claim Social Security in a financial vacuum. The process should include taking a close look at your anticipated income and expenses to create a detailed budget for retirement.

AARP’s Social Security calculator can estimate what you’ll receive by claiming at any age between 62 and 70. You’ll need to enter your date of birth and your most recent year’s salary (you can do this only for yourself, or for you and your spouse).

You can also look up your projected benefit online if you have a My Social Security account. If you’re 60 or older and haven’t signed up for an online account, you’ll receive a paper statement in the mail each year that estimates your monthly retirement benefit.

How to file for Social Security benefits

You can apply for retirement benefits three ways:

• To apply online, having a My Social Security account helps. The SSA website walks you through the process. You can apply online at any time and in multiple sessions — My Social Security will save your work so you can return to it later. 
• To file in person at your local Social Security office., call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to make an appointment, which is now required for most office visits. If you don’t know where the office is, use the agency’s office locator. 
• To file by phone, call SSA customer service at 800-772-1213. Hold times can be long, but you can opt for a callback if you don't want to wait on the phone. A small number of filers whose claims are flagged for fraud risks may be asked to verify their identities through an online process or at a Social Security office. 

Contributing: Tracy Thompson

Related

• 10 things you need to know about Social Security
• 5 Social Security claiming options for couples
• 3 reasons to claim Social Security early (and 3 reasons to wait until 70)