There are compelling reasons to start receiving your benefits early or late. Each of us needs to think through some issues.

Some workers are going to have less money in their paychecks due to a change in Social Security rules in 2026.

On the one hand, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is larger than the 2.5% raise seniors got in 2025. On the other ...

If you’ll be at least 62 years old in 2026, it means you’re eligible to sign up for Social Security. However, that doesn’t mean that claiming Social Security this year is a smart idea. When it comes ...

The average Social Security check ranges from $1,814 to $2,196 by state, but higher payments don't always mean an easier ...

For married couples with unequal historical earnings, it may make sense for the lower income spouse to file for Social Security benefits early or before the higher earner. Ultimately, deciding when to ...

Being married can also be advantageous from a Social Security standpoint. Even if you didn't earn enough work credits to ...

Retirees can choose to claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62 and as late as age 70. Claiming benefits at age 62 can lead to a reduction in benefits of as much as 30%. Many retirees will ...

Many people have their Medicare Part B premium automatically deducted from the Social Security benefits each month. Retirees received the good news in late October that those receiving average Social ...

Waiting until age 70 to collect Social Security benefits provides the highest possible monthly payments as this is when delayed retirement credits stop accumulating. But does this strategy suit ...

Many foreigners, including former U.S. citizens, lose Social Security when living abroad because of their citizenship.