Ask Larry

Should I File Now Or Wait Until Age 70?

I'm 69, and still working, I've been advised to go ahead and file for SS, As it will take about 12 years for me to recoup the money that I would lose by waiting to file until I'm 70. Also my wife who is 67 could start drawing off of my SS until she
Is 70 ,.
How do you feel about this.
Thank You

Hi,

Your best strategy depends on a number of factors, foremost among which is whether or not your wife is eligible for benefits on her own record. If she is, it might be better for you to apply for spousal benefits on her record first and then switch to your own record at age 70. And if she isn't, the potential downside to filing before age 70 is that it would lower not only your monthly benefit rate, but also your wife's potential widow's rate in the event you die before her.

You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore all of your filing options and determine the best overall strategy for you and your wife.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 22 2017 - 7:55am
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