Social Security
Understand your benefits, time your claim, and make the most of Social Security as part of your complete retirement plan.
Make the most of your benefits
For most retirees, Social Security is a foundation of lifetime, inflation-adjusted income — and the decisions you make around it are permanent. Understanding your options is the first step to getting the most out of what you've earned.
The best way to calculate your benefits now — and see how they'd change if your income increased — is to set up an account directly with the Social Security Administration.
62–70
Your claiming window
What your account unlocks
Once your account is set up, the SSA website gives you a clear, personalized view of your benefits and lets you plan ahead.
See where you stand
Review the credits you've earned to date and the benefit amounts available if you claim earlier or later.
Run your scenarios
Use the built-in benefit calculator to model outcomes — for example, how a higher income would change your benefit.
Both spouses, both accounts
If married filing jointly, we suggest the taxpayer and spouse each set up an account, since benefits are based on address.
The factors that shape your income
A handful of key decisions can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement. Here's what matters most.
When you claim
Claiming as early as 62 permanently reduces your monthly benefit, while waiting up to 70 increases it. Timing is one of the biggest levers you control.
Your earnings history
Benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Additional high-earning years can replace lower ones and raise your benefit.
Spousal & survivor benefits
Married, divorced, and widowed individuals may qualify for benefits on a spouse's record. Coordinating claims can meaningfully increase lifetime income.
Taxes on benefits
Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Smart planning can help manage that impact.
Three steps to a smarter claim
Create your SSA account
Set up an account with the Social Security Administration to access your personalized earnings and benefit information.
Review & model scenarios
Check your earned credits and use the benefit calculator to compare claiming ages and income scenarios.
Build it into your plan
We help you coordinate Social Security with your investments, taxes, and withdrawals for a strategy that fits your full picture.
A note for tax time
During tax season, we'll need your Social Security Form 1099-SSA for reporting purposes. Keep it handy so we can file accurately and on time.