Social Security Benefits aren't automatic at 70

Social Security Spousal Benefits: 4 Things Retired Couples Should Know in 2025
Social Security spousal benefits depend on the claim age of the spouse and the primary insurance amount (PIA) of the retired worker on whose record they claim benefits. The term PIA references the benefit a retired worker will receive if they start Social Security at full retirement age (FRA), which is age 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Maximizing Social Security Survivors Benefits
This little-known restricted application rule can significantly boost retirement income for surviving spouses.
This is my backup plan in case Social Security cuts benefits
Once its trust funds are emptied, Social Security may have to cut benefits. The Social Security Trustees say it could happen as early as 2035.
3 Little-Known Factors That Could Affect Your Social Security Benefits
A growing number of Americans are heavily reliant on Social Security to make ends meet in retirement. 60% of retirees said Social Security represents a major source of income for them, according to the most recent edition of an annual Gallup poll. While that number fluctuates, it's the second-highest reading in the poll since it started in 2002.
Want to get the maximum Social Security benefit in 2026 and beyond? Here’s what you need to do to lock in the biggest check you can
You can delay claiming your benefit up to the age of 70, and for each year you delay, you get a subsequent bump via a delayed retirement credit. So, to get the maximum benefit of $5,108 in 2025, you’d have to retire at 70.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act? How does it affect my social security benefits?
For his last term in office former President Joe Biden sign a new social security measure to ehance benefits for millions of Americans.
Your Money: When you can enjoy your Social Security benefits
Your Social Security benefits can be an important part of your retirement income — but when should you start collecting them? Joining us to discuss how to carefully consider your Social Security options was Jim Lyons from Edward Jones.
Social Security benefits if you didn't work (or reach 40 credits)
Navigating the complexities of Social Security can be daunting, especially if you haven't accumulated the required 40 work credits.
Maximizing Social Security for Widows
Learn how surviving spouses can use Social Security's restricted application to maximize benefits and secure financial ...
Financial support: Answering questions from widows
Widows and widowers have the option of taking reduced benefits on one record and later switching to higher benefits on ...
Why benefit increases prompted by the Social Security Fairness Act may be difficult to implement
A new law will provide Social Security benefit increases for more than 3.2 million individuals. Yet it may take more than a ...
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Social Security Fairness Act: Will You Qualify for Back Payments?
The Social Security Fairness Act repeals two provisions that will give qualifying individuals more money and potential back ...
Maximize Your Social Security Payout After Claiming Benefits: Here Are 3 Smart Strategies
Even though Social Security stops adjusting past earnings for inflation after age 60, fortunately, older workers still have ...
Want to get the maximum Social Security benefit in 2026? Here’s what you need to do to lock in the biggest check you can
Maximizing your Social Security benefit is extremely beneficial to your retirement, and the amount that you receive is not based on your salary alone. In fact, the size of your benefit check depends ...