Social Security Benefits Calculator

Social Security Claiming Strategy in 2026

The difference between claiming at 62 vs 70 is roughly 77% more monthly income ($1,400 vs $2,480 on a typical benefit). The break-even age — where total lifetime benefits equal out — is around 78–82 depending on your benefit amount. If you live past 80, delaying almost always wins in total lifetime income.

The Married Couple Strategy

For married couples, the optimal strategy is almost always: the lower earner claims early (at 62 or FRA), and the higher earner delays to 70. The higher earner’s delayed benefit also becomes the survivor benefit — whichever spouse lives longer collects the higher of the two benefits for the rest of their life. A $2,500 FRA benefit delayed to 70 becomes $3,300/month. That $800/month higher survivor benefit for a potentially 20–30 year survivorship is enormous — often $200,000+ in lifetime value.

Social Security and Your Retirement Income Plan

Social Security is typically one of three retirement income sources (along with retirement accounts and personal savings). Use our Retirement Calculator to see how your projected SS benefit integrates with your 401(k) and IRA withdrawals to determine how much you need to save independently.