The age you file for Social Security is perhaps the most important decision affecting your benefit amount. You can begin taking benefits as early as 62, but waiting up to age 70 will earn you larger payments each month.

In 2024, the life expectancy for someone born in 1959 was 74 for men and 80.1 for women, according to a Social Security report. The report predicts continuing increases in life expectancy, which translates into even more years that beneficiaries will receive Social Security checks.

The first round of January’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, goes out to the first group of retirees today. Here is all you need to know about this month’s Social Security payments,

Keep in mind that the Social Security Administration also pays benefits in the month after they're due. For example, if you turn 62 on March 21, 2025, you won't be eligible for benefits until April 2025, and you'll get your first check in May 2025.

Understanding the intricacies of Social Security benefits is crucial for couples planning their retirement strategy. Recent legislative changes have altered how spousal benefits can be claimed, impacting financial planning.

One thing soon-to-be retirees need to start looking at carefully is where they fall in terms of Social Security benefits. Whether you start taking withdrawals at 62, 67, or 70, it’s important to understand what impact Social Security withdrawals will have on your income level while retired.

You can maximize your benefits if you wait to claim Social Security until your full retirement age or older. However, claiming earlier could shrink your monthly check by as much as 30 percent. Workers can start to get Social Security retirement benefits as early as 62 years of age.