Free Retirement Education
Social Security Maximizer
The single filing decision most retirees only get to make once. Here's what actually moves the math — for you and your spouse.
Educational only. This content is general retirement education — not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Every situation is different; if you'd like Ebby to look at yours, use Talk With Ebby.
The three ages that matter
- 62 — the earliest you can file. Your benefit is permanently reduced (roughly 25–30%).
- Full Retirement Age (66–67) — you get 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount.
- 70 — every year you wait past FRA adds about 8%. After 70, no more increases.
What actually moves the math
- Longevity. If you live past roughly 80, waiting usually wins. If you don't, filing earlier often wins.
- Marital status. The higher earner's benefit becomes the survivor benefit. Filing early can permanently lower what your spouse lives on after you're gone.
- Other income. Still working? Filing before FRA can trigger the earnings test — SSA holds back part of your check.
- Taxes. Up to 85% of Social Security can be taxable depending on your other income. Timing matters.
What if…
You file at 62 and your spouse outlives you
Your spouse steps into your reduced benefit for the rest of their life — often 15–25 years. That "extra" $600–$900 a month you started early can cost your household six figures over a long retirement.
Three mistakes I see most often
- Filing at 62 out of habit, without checking what it does to the survivor benefit.
- Both spouses filing at the same age instead of coordinating.
- Ignoring how the check gets taxed once RMDs start at 73.
Your situation is different
Ask Ebby your Social Security question
Tell me your ages, whether you're still working, and roughly what your statement shows at 62, FRA, and 70. I'll walk you through what the math looks like for your household — no products, no sales pressure, no obligation.
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