Thinking about claiming your Social Security benefits? You need to know your 'full retirement age,' which affects the ...

Social Security will pay you the larger of the two benefits you're entitled to. So if you're eligible for $1,200 a month based on your own wage history versus $1,000 a month in spousal benefits, you ...

Planning to Claim Social Security in 2026? 3 Things to Do Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool ...

Jordyn joined Investopedia in February 2025. She was previously a freelance writer covering lifestyle, entertainment, politics in the Midwest, and more. NoDerog / Getty Images A government shutdown ...

There's a reason so many Americans look forward to turning 62 -- it's the earliest age you can sign up for Social Security.

It's important to have the right information ahead of a huge decision. There are a lot of people who will tell you that Social Security is on the verge of going bankrupt. Thankfully, that's far from ...

It's a big decision. Your claiming age affects the size of the benefit you'll receive for the rest of your life, and once you've started receiving checks, it's difficult to change your mind. However, ...

You may be wondering how your monthly Social Security benefit in retirement compares to others. If you're struggling to cover your costs on Social Security alone, that's understandable -- even if your ...

If you wait until 70 to sign up for Social Security, you can boost your monthly benefits for life. That may result in less total income from the program. It could also create a scenario where you miss ...

Monthly payments to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries are set to increase. The Social Security Administration said Friday that benefits will go up 2.8% in 2026. The change ...