8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks

8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks

Jordan Rosenfeld  Sun, December 8, 2024 GOBankingRates

Beginning to take Social Security benefits can be an overwhelming process for retirees since there are lots of rules and regulations, often tucked into the fine print, so to speak.

It’s easy to make choices, or fail to, that can have a negative impact on your Social Security checks in big and small ways.

Here are some common mistakes retirees make with their Social Security checks so you can hopefully avoid them.

Taking Benefits Too Early

Many retirees decide to start collecting Social Security benefits as soon as they reach the minimum age of 62, often without fully understanding the long-term implications of beginning benefits.

“Claiming benefits early can lead to permanently reduced monthly payments,” said Christopher Stroup, CFP and owner of Silicon Beach Financial. “Claiming your benefits at age 62 can result in decreased benefits upwards of 25% to 30% versus waiting until full retirement age.”

Moreover, Ray said, just because you postponed taking it at 62, for example, doesn’t mean you have to keep waiting until you’re 67. You can take it at any time in between and receive the prorated amount.

Not Understanding the Timing

A related aspect of this, according to Patrick Ray, senior vice president at Wealth Enhancement Group is not understanding the timing between when you file and when you first start receiving your checks.

The Social Security Administration gives people roughly a three-month window from application to first receiving your checks. Ray explained that he works with many retirees that leave their work payroll upon retirement, which means they’re no longer getting a paycheck, and often misinterpret the timing of when they’ll get their first checks.

“So if someone decides to retire in June, they probably should start the process in April as it turns out because that does not happen overnight.”

Not Factoring in Spousal Benefits

Some retirees overlook the potential benefits that could be available through spousal claims, Stroup said.

“A spouse can claim benefits based on their own earnings record or up to 50% of the other spouse’s benefit if it’s higher. For couples where one spouse has significantly higher earnings, failing to strategize around spousal benefits can result in missed opportunities,” he explained.

Not Understanding the Tax Implications

TO READ MORE: https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/8-common-mistakes-retirees-social-120026732.html