Finance

Social Security: the claiming decision that shapes everything else.

When you claim Social Security — at 62, at full retirement age, or at 70 — determines your monthly benefit for the rest of your life. Here's how to think through it.

Social Security

How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated

Social Security takes your 35 highest-earning years, runs them through a formula, and produces a monthly benefit number. Here's exactly how that calculation works — and what it means for your claiming decision.

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Social Security resources

Tools relevant to this topic.

Retirement Readiness ChecklistIncludes a dedicated Social Security claiming section.Free download
SS Claiming GuideWalk through your 62 vs. FRA vs. 70 decision step by step.Coming soon
Benefit Comparison ToolSee how monthly benefit amounts change by claiming age.Coming soon

Official government resources

Straight from the source.

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