Celebrating 88 Years of Social Security: Exploring its Impact & Benefits

As we approach the 88th anniversary of the Social Security Act, it’s important to remember the incredible significance and benefits this program has provided. Signed into law on August 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Social Security Act laid the groundwork for an extensive social welfare system in the United States. It has grown exponentially from a concise 32-page document into a comprehensive legislative manuscript of more than 2,600 pages.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

It all started when the nation was grappling with the Great Depression. The Social Security Act’s inception was a beacon of hope, providing financial assistance to those in dire need. Ernest Ackerman made history by receiving the first-ever payment of 17 cents in January 1937. Though a modest sum, it represented a revolutionary shift towards a more equitable society that spent decades working for companies that did not provide retirement benefits.

Shortly after, Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, received the first monthly retirement check, amounting to $22.54, on January 31, 1940. This beneficiary was the first of hundreds of millions of Americans who have contributed to a Social Security system that pays them benefits during their retirement years. 

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When Should You Start Taking Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits represent a significant portion of many individuals’ retirement income. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a strategy for when to begin taking these payments to maximize your long-term financial benefits. 

You can begin taking Social Security benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, they will be reduced based on how many months you receive them before you reach your full retirement age. The reduction can be up to 30% of monthly benefits.

In 2023, the Full Retirement Age (FRA) for retirement is 67. The latest you can delay taking your benefits is up to the age of 70. Your benefits increase each year you delay past your full retirement age of 67. You can expect these dates to continue to increase based on rising longevity.

Here are a few considerations to include in your analysis:

• Your health and anticipated life span are key factors in deciding when to start taking Social Security benefits. Consider claiming benefits earlier if you are in poor health or have a family history of shorter lifespans. Waiting may be beneficial if you are in good health and have a history of longevity in your family.

• Assessing your income needs once you retire can also impact when you begin taking your Social Security benefits. If you’re still working, you can delay claiming benefits. If you’re not working and need the income, you may need to claim benefits earlier. The objective is to align your claiming strategy with your financial needs, keeping your long-term financial security in mind.

• If you have accumulated substantial retirement savings, consider delaying when taking Social Security, allowing your benefits to grow. Conversely, if Social Security makes up a significant portion of your retirement income, you may need to claim payments as early as age 62.   

• Remember, Social Security benefits can pay for a significant part of your living expenses, so you don’t have to withdraw from other retirement accounts until later in life – making your savings last much longer. 

• If you continue to work while taking Social Security before full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced based on your earnings. Your benefits are recalculated after retirement, and the reductions stop even if you continue working.

• Spousal Benefits: If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits, which could provide a higher monthly benefit amount than your own. Coordinating when and how to claim these benefits can help optimize your total benefits over your lifetime.

These factors often interact with each other, making the decision complex. It’s usually beneficial to consult with a financial advisor who understands the nuances of Social Security benefits to help make the right decisions. 

What are the tax considerations that you should consider? 

When it comes to the tax implications based on age, the IRS considers Social Security benefits as taxable income, depending on your overall income level and not your age:

• Suppose you file as an individual, and your combined income (your adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits) is between $25,000 and $34,000. In that case, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If your combined income is over $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.

• If you file a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.

It’s also worth noting that some states do not tax Social Security benefits. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Social Security Administration’s website or a tax professional.

Maximizing Social Security: The Role of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals

Wealth management strategies come into play to maximize the benefits derived from Social Security, especially for high-net-worth individuals in Paramus, NJ. This is where CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals can provide invaluable advice and services.

By considering the appropriate timing to start claiming benefits, tax implications, and other factors, these professionals can help craft personalized strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits and retirement savings. Their expert guidance can make a significant difference, ensuring that Social Security is a beneficial component of a broader, diversified plan for your retirement years.

The Gift of Security

Managing your Social Security benefits has become more transparent in this digital age than ever before. Creating your ‘My Social Security” account gives you access to personalized estimates of future benefits, your latest statement, and your earnings history.

To commemorate the 88 years of Social Security, let us recognize its tremendous significance and benefits regardless of net worth. You paid into the system for all of your working years. 

Whether you are the retired grandmother receiving her monthly check, the disabled worker receiving essential support, or the wealthy individual using it as part of a broader wealth management strategy, Social Security continues to touch lives across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Learn more about your Social Security benefits and how to make the most out of them.

More about the author: Dan Minnis

As the Private Wealth Manager, Dan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. He has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to completing rigorous coursework, exams, and experience requirements. He offers his clients highly focused financial guidance and strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.

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