SOCIAL SECUITY RETIREMENT FILING STRATEGIES
01.Core Concepts
• Decisions about when to file can impact the total lifetime retirement benefits received from Social Security and can impact future survivor benefits. • How long do I have to live for delayed credits to benefit me more than the payments that were foregone? • Strategies are complex – depends on ages, income, assets, taxes, and other perceptions on life expectancy and solvency of Social Security. 39 EFFECTS OF MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE ON BENEFITS • Worker receiving benefits based on their own earnings • Benefits continue regardless • Individual’s receiving benefits based on spouse’s earnings • Benefits cease at divorce, unless individual is 62 or older and was married longer than 10 years • Widow and widower benefits • Benefits cease at remarriage unless 60 or older when new marriage occurs