Ask Larry

Will My Benefit Rate Still Rise If I Wait To Claim Benefits Even If I've Stopped Working?

Larry, i stopped working at 62 for mental health reasons but do not plan to file for Social Security until at least my full retirement age of 66 yrs and 6 months. If i do not earn any income over the coming few years, will my benefits still rise in value by waiting?
Thank you, Bill

Hi Bill,

Yes, as long as you don't start drawing your benefits, your monthly benefit rate will continue to increase until you reach age 70. However, if you aren't working due to mental health reasons you may want to consider applying for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/). If you're approved, you'll be paid your primary insurance amount (PIA), which would amount to drawing your full retirement age (FRA) benefit rate early. You could still then suspend your benefits once you reach FRA in order to accrue delayed retirement credits until age 70.

You should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to help you determine the best overall strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 27 2019 - 9:49am
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