Skip to main content
Created: March 29, 2025
Modified: April 17, 2025

Most Asked Social Security Questions

It’s no question that Social Security plays a crucial role in retirement planning, helping to provide a stable income stream for millions of recipients.

In this week’s Better Money Boston with WCVB Channel 5, David Shapiro answers some of the most frequently asked questions we get about how and when to claim benefits.

Should I Withdraw from My 401(k) Before Taking Social Security?

Depending on your unique financial situation, we generally recommend taking Social Security benefits first to preserve your retirement savings. This approach helps ensure that your personal assets remain available for your loved ones or for any unexpected costs.

With a customized retirement income plan, you can determine the ideal time to claim Social Security as well as strategically time your 401(k) withdrawals to minimize your tax burden.

What Happens If I Pass Away Shortly After Taking Benefits?

If you pass away soon after taking Social Security, you can be assured that your benefits won’t be lost. Depending on your circumstances, they may be transferred to your spouse or, in some cases, your children. Understanding survivor benefits is key to ensuring your loved ones receive the proper support.

Will My Benefits Increase If I Wait to Claim?

Yes, the longer you delay collecting benefits, the higher your monthly payment will be. You can start claiming at age 62 a reduced amount, but if you wait until full retirement age, you’ll receive your full benefit. If you delay even further, your benefit will continue to grow and reach the maximum payout at age 70. Since claiming Social Security is a permanent decision, it’s important to carefully consider your options before making the right choice.

My Spouse Recently Passed, When Should I Take Benefits?

If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible to receive survivor benefits. You can begin collecting your deceased spouse’s benefit at full retirement age and then switch to your own benefit at age 70, if it’s higher. Choosing the right time to claim can significantly impact your financial future, so consulting a financial professional is a smart step to ensure you receive the highest possible payout.

Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.

Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.

Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.

Resources by Topic

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

Share

Related Resources

  • How Much Will I Get from Social Security?

    When planning for retirement income, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you can expect to receive. However, estimating your future Social Security benefit can be complicated. Your …
  • Should I Downsize My Home for Retirement?

    Equity is on the minds of many pre-retirees and retirees today, more specifically: Should I downsize my home in retirement? And if so, when is the right time to do it? In this week’s Money Wisd…
  • Podcast Episode 410: 2 Key Questions to Ask a Retirement Planner

    Prefer to watch? Click here to watch and listen on YouTube. Meeting with a financial planner often sparks some of the most important questions. When it comes to retirement, there’s a lot to con…
  • Key Components of Any Good Estate Plan

    No matter your age or income level, everyone should consider basic estate planning. A well-crafted estate plan provides privacy and control over your assets, secures your legacy, and most importan…
  • How Can You Protect Your Retirement Assets for Your Family?

    When you’re focused on planning for retirement, it’s easy to overlook how you can protect your assets for both yourself and your family. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, your first ste…
  • Podcast Episode 409: Which Retirement Accounts Should I Withdraw from First?

    Prefer to watch? Click here to watch and listen on YouTube. Planning for retirement doesn’t end when you stop working. In fact, one of the most important financial decisions you’ll face in reti…
  • How to Jumpstart Your Retirement Planning

    Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially after decades of hard work and diligent saving. With so much to consider, how can you ensure your money lasts as long as you do? The good news…
  • What Level of Risk Is Right for Your Retirement Plan?

    In this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series, Ian Fergusson, RICP® addresses a fundamental concern for anyone approaching or in retirement: What level of risk is appropriate for my retirement plan?…
  • Podcast Episode 408: What to Do in a Down Market

    Prefer to watch? Click here to watch and listen on YouTube. As recent market fluctuations have stirred up a lot of economic uncertainty, there’s a particular question on many investors’ minds: …
  • What Estate Planning Steps Should I Take?

    With retirement on the horizon, you may be wondering what steps you should be taking from an estate planning standpoint. At its core, there are three key estate planning considerations to keep in …
    Back to top
    Our Locations
    Johnson Brunetti
    Welcome to Our New Website!
    Everything was designed with you in mind, making our retirement planning resources more easily accessible to you.
    Check out your new resource center, where everything can be organized by article type or topic
    Are you ready to speak with a financial advisor?
    Skip to content