Our Social Security Timing Services
Experience the freedom to focus on you
Find the Right Time to Begin Social Security
We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next steps
Taking into consideration your family health history, future tax rates, and more, we’ll help pinpoint the optimal
age to begin Social Security. Through a comprehensive retirement approach we’ll consider how Social
Security impacts all areas of your retirement plan.
Choose the right time to claim Social Security for long-term income.
Coordinate Social Security with your retirement, tax, and investment strategy.
Make informed decisions that support a stable income throughout retirement.
Social Security Timing: When to Claim Benefits for Long-Term Income
Deciding when to take Social Security is one of the most important retirement income decisions you’ll make. While you can begin benefits as early as age 62, waiting can significantly increase your monthly income. The right timing depends on your broader financial picture, including your income needs, health, life expectancy, and how Social Security fits alongside your other assets.
At Calamita Wealth Management, Social Security timing is not viewed in isolation. It’s coordinated with your overall retirement income plan, tax strategy, and investment portfolio. By evaluating different scenarios, you can make a more informed decision that supports long-term income stability rather than focusing only on short-term cash flow.
How this benefits you:
- Align your claiming strategy with your income plan and other retirement assets
- Coordinate between Social Security benefits, portfolio withdrawals, and tax impact
- Thoughtfully weigh the considerations between claiming earlier or delaying benefits
Who We Serve
Retiring in 5-10 Years
Mark and Megan wanted to transition to retirement in the next 5-10 years. Would their savings be enough?
Retiring in 1–5 Years
John and Nancy were diligent savers with high-paying jobs, but they weren’t sure if they could speed up their timeline to retirement.
Retiring Within a Year
With less than a year to go before retirement, Jeff and Kate needed help organizing their accounts and building a retirement “paycheck.”
What to Expect When Getting Started
STEP 1
Introductory Call
Start with a no-pressure conversation to share what’s on
your mind, ask any questions, and learn how can help.
STEP 2
Summary Review
If we’re the right fit to help, we’ll create a
tailored Financial Summary for your review.
STEP 3
Recommendations
We’ll walk through our recommendations and next steps so you understand what a partnership with us looks like.
STEP 4
Starting Together
When you’re ready to start, we’ll walk you through
the next steps so we can begin managing your plan.
Social Security Timing FAQs
When should I start taking Social Security benefits?
The best time to take Social Security depends on your income needs, health, and overall financial plan. While you can claim as early as age 62, delaying benefits increases your monthly payment and may improve long-term income security.
What happens if I take Social Security early?
Claiming early reduces your monthly benefit permanently. It may make sense if you need income sooner, but it often results in lower lifetime benefits compared to waiting.
How much does my benefit increase if I delay Social Security?
For each year you delay past full retirement age, your benefit typically increases by about 8% until age 70. This can meaningfully boost guaranteed income later in retirement.
Is it better to take Social Security at 62, 67, or 70?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your financial needs, longevity expectations, and how Social Security fits into your broader retirement income strategy.
How does Social Security fit into a retirement income plan?
Social Security is often a foundational income source. The timing decision should be coordinated with investment withdrawals, tax planning, and other income sources to create a balanced and sustainable strategy.
Are Social Security benefits taxable?
Yes, depending on your total income, a portion of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Proper planning can help manage the tax impact.
Should married couples coordinate when they claim Social Security?
Yes, couples often benefit from coordinating their claiming strategies. Factors like spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and income needs can influence the best approach.