Maximize Your Benefits: Essential Social Security Strategies for Singles

While singles may have fewer Social Security filing options than married couples, smart planning around when to claim benefits can pay off for anyone, including those flying solo.

Claim Early at 62

Anyone who has paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (has 40 credits) can begin receiving retirement benefits at age 62 based on their earnings record.

Starting to collect Social Security at 62 offers some benefits. For instance, you might be ready to retire and depend on Social Security as the main part of your retirement strategy. Since you’ve paid into the system for at least a decade, you’re entitled to benefits.

Waiting to claim benefits may not be an option if you need income in your early 60s to cover living expenses.

Claiming early may also be a practical choice if you don’t anticipate living past 70 due to health issues or family history.

Options to Change Your Decision

However, claiming benefits early means you’ll receive a lower monthly amount. If you decide to start collecting and then change your mind, you have two options:

The “Reset” Rule – Within 12 months of beginning your benefits, you can “reset” them to eliminate the reduction, but you must repay all the benefits you and your family have received.

The Voluntary Suspension Rule – If you began collecting benefits before your full retirement age (FRA), you can suspend them at your FRA and resume them at a later time.

Claim at Full Retirement Age

If you begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits at your full retirement age (FRA), you’ll receive the full amount of your primary insurance amount (PIA). However, you can increase your benefits beyond 100% of your PIA by waiting to claim past your FRA.

For every month you postpone claiming Social Security beyond your FRA, your benefits grow by an additional 0.67%. This equates to an extra 8% each year you wait after reaching FRA, offering a guaranteed annual increase that is hard to find in other investments.

Claim at 70

Waiting until age 70 to claim your Social Security retirement benefit can lead to a significant increase in your monthly payout, as long as you don’t have a major health condition that could shorten your life.

You’ll receive your maximum Social Security payments—up to 132% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) if your full retirement age (FRA) is 66, or 124% of your PIA if your FRA is 67.

Of course, if you die before you claim Social Security you do not receive any benefits from the years of contributing to the Social Security Trust Fund.

Decide if You Will Be Working

If you claim Social Security benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) and continue to work, your benefits may be temporarily withheld due to the earnings test.

Before reaching FRA, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over $22,320 (in 2024). In the year you reach FRA, benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 you earn over $59,520 (in 2024). Once you reach FRA, you can receive your full benefits with no earnings limit.

It’s worth noting that any benefits withheld due to the earnings test are not permanently lost. When you reach FRA, your monthly benefit will be adjusted to credit you for the months you missed out on. However, if you expect to keep working and earning enough income to significantly reduce your Social Security benefits, it may be wise to delay claiming them until you stop working or reach FRA.

Keep in mind, this does not mean you should avoid working between the ages of 62 and 67.

If you have already started collecting benefits early and are offered a job that is financially and personally rewarding, don’t let the earnings test stop you from taking it before reaching FRA.

Although your benefits may be withheld, you won’t lose them. You’ll be credited for the withheld benefits later, and your income will also contribute to the calculation of your best 35 years of earnings at FRA. Plus, you’ll be earning an income, which can outweigh the impact on your Social Security benefits.

Federal Taxation of Social Security Benefits

Calculating taxes on Social Security benefits can be complex, so understanding the process can help you avoid overpaying.

The taxable portion of your benefits depends primarily on your other income sources. If you have other income, such as a pension; pretax withdrawals from a 401(k), individual retirement account (IRA), or other tax-deferred account; or investment income like interest, dividends, and capital gains, you may owe taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits.

For each dollar of provisional income between the first and second thresholds, 50 cents of Social Security benefits will be taxed, up to 50% of the benefits. For each dollar of provisional income above the second threshold, 85 cents of your benefits will be taxed until the maximum of 85% is reached.

For single filers, the first threshold is $25,000 and the second is $34,000, which are lower than the thresholds for married couples. Therefore, taxation should be a factor in your claiming strategy.

Some States Also Tax Social Security

In addition to Federal taxes, currently 10 states tax social security earnings in 2024 and 2 just stopped.

Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont are currently taxing social security.

Good news for West Virginia resident is the bill phasing out tax on Social Security benefits has been signed into law. Retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year, it applies to 35% deduction for 2024, 65% for 2025 and 100% deduction on Social Security income for 2026 taxes and beyond.

As of 2024, Missouri and Nebraska join the list of states that no longer tax social security income.

While taxes should not be the only consideration in deciding which state you live in retirement, you can include it in your planning.

Related Article: States Taxing Social Security

So What Is the Best Claiming Strategy for Singles

Retirees who are single and have never been married or had children may face fewer options for claiming Social Security benefits compared to those who are married, widowed, or divorced. However, they still have a strong incentive to maximize their retirement income.

Singles in this category don’t have to consider how the timing of their benefits might affect a surviving spouse or minor children. Delaying Social Security until age 70 can lead to higher monthly payments.

When deciding on claiming Social Security, take into account all income sources to make the best choice. Do not forget Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) also known as Medicare surcharge. Depending on your circumstances it might be prudent to delay claiming Social Security to reduce the balances of your pre-tax accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs.

Of course, always consider your own longevity as well.