For many retirees, Social Security is the foundation of their retirement income. Yet most people never receive personalized guidance on when and how to claim benefits. The difference between a rushed decision and a smart strategy can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

At FinalExpense, we help you coordinate your Social Security decision with your final expense, long-term care, and retirement income plan, so everything works together.

Key Takeaway

Choosing when to file Social Security is not just about age 62 vs 67 vs 70 — it's about coordinating spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and your other assets.

When Should You Claim Social Security?

You can start as early as age 62 or delay up to age 70. Filing early means lower monthly checks forever, while delaying can increase your benefit by up to 8% per year after full retirement age.

  • Early filing (62–66): May work if you have serious health issues or need income immediately.
  • Full Retirement Age (66–67): Balanced option for many Americans.
  • Delayed filing (up to 70): Higher lifetime income if you expect a longer-than-average retirement.

Spousal & Survivor Benefits

Married couples, divorced spouses, and widows/widowers have additional benefit options. Failing to coordinate them can leave money unclaimed.

  • Spousal benefits may allow one spouse to receive a benefit based on the other's work record.
  • Survivor benefits can continue a percentage of the higher earner's benefit after one spouse passes away.
"We often discover that couples have more claiming options than they were ever told about by the Social Security office."

How Our Social Security Review Works

Our advisors run side-by-side comparisons of different filing ages and strategies, based on:

  • Your current earnings record and projected benefit amounts.
  • Health, family longevity, and retirement lifestyle goals.
  • Other income sources like pensions, savings, and final expense plans.
No-Cost Social Security Review

There's no cost and no obligation for a FinalExpense Social Security planning session. You'll receive a clear, written summary of your options.

Ready to See Your Personalized Plan?

We'll walk you through the numbers, answer questions, and help you choose a filing strategy that supports your long-term financial plans.