Did You Know
Social Security employees are instructed by the Administration that they can “Provide enough information so that claimants can make informed choices, but (cannot) give advice.” https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200203004 A.1.d
Taking Social Security Retirement benefits early could reduce your benefit by as much as 30%.
You may qualify for a survivor benefit in addition to your retirement benefit if you were married for at least 9 months.
You can collect a Survivor Benefit while delaying your own retirement benefit, allowing it to increase for when you eventually claim it.
Delaying retirement benefits up to age 70 increases your benefit by 8% per year (simple interest)
Minor children (or full-time students under age 19) can receive their own benefits if one of their parents retires, is disabled, or passes away.
If you have worked in one of the 30 countries that have an agreement with the United States, some of your foreign works credits can be counted toward those required to qualify for Social Security benefits.