Retirement Blog

As an individual nearing 70, you’ve intended to delay your Social Security benefits until the decade comes. But in some cases, there are times when you may need the money sooner than expected. Seemingly in the knick of time, there is an option to receive up to six months of benefits in a lump-sum by initiating your Social Security retirement benefits early. While this is an important option to have, what are the consequences of applying early?

​By Roy Larsen, CFP®, AAMS®

​In 1995, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began mailing out annual Social Security Statements to everyone age 25 and older. These statements were designed to help Americans plan for the future by providing a detailed record of their earnings and estimates of Social Security benefits. Last year, the SSA suspended mailing these statements because of budgetary concerns, but in March 2012, the SSA resumed mailing annual statements to workers age 60 and older. If you're age 60 or older, you should receive your statement every year, about three months before your birthday. The SSA is also resuming the mailing of one-time statements to workers who are age 25 to introduce them to Social Security programs and benefits.