Ask Larry

Do I Forfeit COLAs If I Wait Until Age 70 To Claim My Benefits?

Donald inquired as to how DRCs are applied on June 9. I read the link to POMS and confused myself.

If I wait to claim retirement benefits until age 70 do I forfeit COLAs from FRA until 70? I am receiving survivor benefits now. I have not claimed retirement benefits yet. Thanks!

Hi,

No. Whether or not you wait until age 70 to file for retirement benefits, your benefit rate will be credited with any Social Security COLAs that occur starting with the year you reach age 62. And, if you wait until age 70 to start drawing your retirement benefits delayed retirement credits will add an additional 24% to 32% to your benefit rate depending on your full retirement age (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jun 11 2018 - 2:59pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.