Ask Larry

Should I Take My Benefits Early Or Wait?

I will be 62 later this year and am retired. My husband who is 59 is currently receiving SSDI and his benefit amount is close to what his FRA benefit amount would be. We have enough money to live on and both have IRAs, liquid cash, and I receive a pension in the form of a monthly annuity. Should I take early SSI benefits or wait until my FRA or age 70?

Hi,

The decision on when to start drawing Social Security benefits is ultimately up to you, but you should strongly consider using our software in order to explore and compare all of your options before making your decision. Your best strategy likely depends in large part on your and your husband's relative benefit rates. If your benefit rate is comparable to or higher than your husband's, waiting until age 70 to start drawing may well be your best option if you have sufficient income to get by until then. I don't have sufficient information to properly advise you, though, so do consider using our software so that you can make the best possible choice.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 14 2019 - 10:52am
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.