A: Don’t bother. As I explained at the beginning of this column, retroactive benefits can only be paid if you file after your ...

People who file at this earliest-possible age are seeing much smaller payments, but there's more to the story.

Although millions of older Americans collect a retirement benefit from Social Security today, it's not a given that you'll end up being eligible for those monthly checks. If you have a pretty ...

I suggest waiting in most cases, but that doesn't mean it’s always the best approach. Depending on your situation, risk tolerance and goals, your wife may want to file for Social Security now. However ...

Quick Read Claiming Social Security at 62 reduces lifetime benefits by approximately $144,000 compared to waiting until 70, with monthly payments 30% lower than full retirement age benefits. Delaying ...

Waiting until age 70 to file for Social Security retirement benefits is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk that you’ll run out of money in your later years. But in some instances, ...

Today's column addresses questions about how retroactive filing affects benefit rates, when spousal benefits may be available and whether it's possible or advisable to take a retirement benefit before ...