Earnings in months leading up to retirement date can be ignored.
Social Security strategy normally reserved for couples allows unmarried to hedge their bets.
Recent research shows that due to increases in Social Security's delayed-retirement credit, the real retirement age might now be 70.
Divorced spouses eligible for vastly different benefits than new ones.
Rules differ for those currently married, widows/widowers and the divorced
Retirement benefits and survivor benefits represent two different pots of money. Even if a spouse claims reduced Social Security retirement benefits early, her survivor benefits will not be reduced, as long as she is at least full retirement age when she collects them.
If a client talks about claiming Social Security benefits before full retirement age that don't ring true, ask questions. It could make a huge difference in their long-term financial security.
There are two ways for beneficiaries to increase their benefits after initially claiming them. Find out how.
