Social Security is an important source of income for most retirees. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), one in every six U.S. residents collected Social Security benefits last year.1 But understanding which Social Security benefits you qualify for and how they play into your financial future can be a challenge.

Below are a few articles to help you understand social security claiming strategies and the retirement benefits for your spouse, surviving spouse or children

Unsure When to Claim Social Security? Timing has its benefits.
When it comes to how much Social Security benefit you will receive, you have a choice in the matter—and timing is everything. The longer you wait to claim your benefits, the larger your monthly payment will be, so when you start can determine whether you’ll have sufficient funds to achieve your retirement goals. This article details considerations to keep in mind as you think about your social security choices. Read more here. >

Understanding Social Security Benefits for your Spouse and Family
If you are married and eligible for social security retirement benefits, your spouse, former spouse, widow(er), minor children, or children with disabilities may qualify for dependent benefits. Here is a brief explanation of the benefits available to your dependents. Read more here. >

 

Social Security Claiming Strategies for Widows and Widowers
If you are widowed, you have some decisions to make when it comes to claiming social security benefits. You may be eligible to claim benefits based upon either your own earnings record or that of your deceased spouse. See an example case of filing options for widows and widowers here. Read more here. >

We hope you find these articles informative and helpful as you navigate the critical decisions around filing for Social Security. If you have any questions regarding these topics or would like us to run a FREE Social Security analysis for you, feel free to contact us or speak with any of our financial advisors. We’re here to help!