For some households, it makes sense for a worker to start reduced retirement benefits early in order to permit other family members to immediately start collecting Social Security benefits on the workerâs earnings record.
Social Security is a key source of financial support, and keeping track of the changes that happen with the program each year is crucial in order to plan your financial future. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll be better prepared to hit the ground running in 2018.
For those age 65-74, Social Security accounts for 54% of total retirement income. It plays an even greater role as retirees age, accounting for 61% of retirement income for those 75-84, and 66% for those age 85 and older. 2 However, many retirees today do not understand how their Social Security benefits really work.