Ask Larry

Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.

When Should I Start Drawing My Benefits?

Should i take Social Security at age 66 (FRA) or 70 or when I quite working? I plan on working until age 67 or 69. I'm in a 24% tax bracket and think if I take social security while I'm working that I'll pay significant taxes on it my Social Security check. I live in California, so I would pay Federal Income tax on it not state tax. My tax bracket should be around 12% when i quite working. Also, consider my Part B increase which would be $185 month.
My monthly SS check at age (FRA) 66 is $2,710, age 67 $2,951, age 70 $3,598
What would be my break even point?



Hi

When to start drawing Social Security benefits is a personal decision that I can't make for you. We don't recommend basing your decision on break even analysis, though. For Larry's thoughts on this subject, refer to the following article that he wrote: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/take-social-security-benefits-early-just-think-can-invest-profit.

You should strongly consider using our software at https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com to fully compare all of your various options so that you can determine which filing strategy would likely best meet your needs.

Best, Jerry

Posted:
May 28, 2019