Will my social security schemes start automatically? – The Motley Fool

Millions of seniors count on social security contributions to pay the bills in retirement, and fortunately, it is quite easy to sign up for benefits. But if you wonder if this process will happen automatically, the answer is "no."

The reason? There is no age to file for social security schemes. Eligible recipients will receive an eight-year window to claim benefits beginning in 62 years and ending in 70 years. (In fact, you do not even have to file with 70, but there is no financial reason to wait past that point.) There are various consequences and benefits associated with filing at different ages, so the decision to claim benefits is not a SSA (Social Security Administration) can do for you. Rather, you have to weigh the pros and cons of archiving at different times to land on the right.

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Making the Best Filing Decision [19659006] Your social security benefits are calculated from the 35 highest years of earnings, but the age at which you archive them can cause the number to climb or drop. If you fill up your full retirement age (FRA) – which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later – you get the exact monthly benefit your income statement entitles you to. File before FRA, and your benefits will be reduced each month you claim them early. And if you delay the benefits beyond FRA, you will increase them by 8% a year up to 70 years – therefore, over 70 years are not waiting: You won't increase your benefits anymore.

Because there are financial prerequisites involved in your filing decision, you need to carefully consider the choices. One thing to keep in mind is whether or not you expect to rely on social security benefits to cover your retirement expenses. If you have saved well, you can claim early side benefits so you can use them to travel or enjoy life while you are relatively young. However, if you have little savings, you will probably want to expand your benefits, or at least avoid a reduction.

Your health should also play a major role in your decision-making decision. Although Social Security is technically designed to pay you the total lifetime, no matter when you originally file (the early-logic logic will reduce your payments, but you get more of them while submitting late, payments will increase, but you will Be fewer), that's just the case if you live an average lifetime. If your health is poor and you expect to go on the younger side, you are usually best to claim benefits as soon as you are able to. And if you expect to live a longer life than most, you should send as late as possible.

Claiming Your Benefits

Whenever you decide to file for social security benefits, don't expect benefits to be available overnight. It may take several months for your application to go through, so for example, if you want to start collecting benefits at age 67, you will be wise to apply when you are 66 and 9 months old.

The easiest way to apply for social security schemes is online via the SSA website. You can also search by phone or personally at your local social security office, although you may need an appointment if you go on the last route. Anyway, put a decent amount of thought into the decision and thank the lucky stars for having the flexibility to start taking benefits at a time that is most optimal for you.