A safe and happy retirement is every worker’s dream. Fulfilling this dream is much easier when you have a plan in place. This article provides comprehensive knowledge about your Social Security retirement benefits. It can help you know what to expect from Social Security while preparing for the financial future.
When You Can Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
You should demand retirement benefits four months before you want your benefits to start. You can start settling benefits as early as age 62. But, if you begin accepting benefits early, your benefits are decreased by a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. Even if you don’t plan to get benefits immediately, or decide to wait until you arrive at your full retirement age, then you should sign-up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
Retirement Age
You can begin receiving your Social Security retirement advantages at the age of 62. However, you are allowed full privileges when you arrive at your full retirement age. If you delay receiving your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will grow.
How You Can Apply for Benefits
You can fill out an online platform to apply for retirement benefits. To check how to apply online, what information you should need, and other ways to apply, visit Apply for Retirement Benefits page of the SSA website.
Factors that May Affect Your Social Security Retirement Benefits
Choosing when to begin getting your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision. One option cannot act for everyone because each person’s lifestyle, finances, and goals are not equal to others.
Spouse’s benefits
Even if you have never worked in a place where you paid Social Security taxes, you may qualify for privileges as a family member if you are the:
Divorced spouse or spouse of a retired worker
If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also get advantages on your account. If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child, may receive a cyclic payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount. These Social Security wages to family members will not reduce the amount of your retirement benefit.
Divorced spouse or spouse of a disabled worker
When you start getting disability advantages, individual members of your family may also qualify for privileges in your report. Benefits may be paid to your:
- spouse
- divorced spouse
- children
- disabled child and
- adult child disabled before age 22.
If any of your qualified household members apply for benefits, they will be asked for their Social Security numbers and their birth certificates.
- Surviving divorced spouse or widow/widower of a deceased worker.
Just as you plan for your family’s security, if you die, benefits of Social Security benefits will be given to your spouse, child, or your parents. You must have served long enough following Social Security to qualify for benefits.
Conclusion
It is essential to have a secure and comfortable retirement, as this is every worker’s dream. Achieving this dream is much more manageable when you have a plan in place.
