Is it better to retire at 69 or 70?

Asked by: Claudia Pfannerstill  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (32 votes)

With delayed retirement credits, a person can receive his or her largest benefit by retiring at age 70. In the case of early retirement, a benefit is reduced 5/9 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 69 or 70?

Choosing to take Social Security benefits at age 70 can be optimal for several reasons: Maximum Benefit: Your Social Security benefits increase each year you delay taking them, up until age 70. This means that by waiting until age 70, you're entitled to the maximum possible benefit.

What is the smartest age to retire?

Retiring in your mid-60s still makes sense for many people. At this point, you are old enough to have hopefully amassed sizable savings, but you are still young enough to enjoy active pursuits such as travel.

Is retiring at 70 a good idea?

As of 2022, the average retirement age in the U.S. was 61, according to a Gallup Poll. But you may be making plans to leave the workforce at a much later age than that. Given an increase in life expectancies, it's not a bad idea to aim to retire at age 70 instead of planning to do in your mid- or even late 60s.

Is it worth delaying Social Security to age 70?

You may be eligible to collect Social Security as early as 62, but waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits for most people.

Social Security Timing: Age 62 vs. 70

27 related questions found

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What is the happiest age to retire?

On average, 63 is the ideal age for retirement according to both retirees and pre-retirees. While current retirees are hitting close to that mark with an average actual retirement age of 62, there are signs that future retirees could have more difficulty retiring at their ideal age.

What is a good monthly retirement income?

The ideal monthly retirement income for a couple differs for everyone. It depends on your personal preferences, past accomplishments, and retirement plans. Some valuable perspective can be found in the 2022 US Census Bureau's median income for couples 65 and over: $76,490 annually or about $6,374 monthly.

At what age can I collect 100% of my Social Security?

For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.

What is the healthiest retirement age?

You're Likely to Live Longer If You Retire After 65.

At what age do most Americans retire?

Right now, the average age for men to retire is 65 while the average age for women to retire is 63. While many people say they will work for as long as they can, others retire earlier than expected. However, retiring even a few years earlier than you'd anticipated can be costly.

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 per month rule is designed to help you estimate the amount of savings required to generate a steady monthly income during retirement. According to this rule, for every $240,000 you save, you can withdraw $1,000 per month if you stick to a 5% annual withdrawal rate.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?

Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.

What is considered wealthy in retirement?

Rich retirees: In the 90th percentile, with net worth starting at $1.9 million, this group has much more financial freedom and is able to afford luxuries and legacy planning.

Will social security not be taxed in 2025?

Starting in 2025, tax Social Security benefits in a manner similar to private pension income. Phase out the lower-income thresholds during 2025-2044. Memorandum containing this or a similar provision: Warshawsky 2008.

What is the prime age to retire?

Age 66 – Full Social Security retirement age begins for most Baby Boomers. Age 67 – Full retirement age for Social Security benefits if born in 1960 or later. Age 70 – To increase monthly benefits delay claiming Social Security payments until 70. Age 72 – Minimum distributions from 401(k) plans and IRAs are required.

Do you live longer if you retire early?

Conclusions. We did not find an association between early retirement, compared with continued work participation, and mortality. On-time retirement, compared with working beyond retirement, was associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Is retiring at 70 too late?

A worker can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a reduction of as much as 30 percent. Starting to receive benefits after normal retirement age may result in larger benefits. With delayed retirement credits, a person can receive his or her largest benefit by retiring at age 70.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

What is a widow entitled to when her husband dies?

If your spouse built up entitlement to the State Second Pension between 2002 and 2016, you are entitled to inherit 50% of this amount; PLUS. If your spouse built up entitlement to Graduated Retirement Benefit between 1961 and 1975, you are entitled to inherit 50% of this amount.

What is the first thing you should do when your husband dies?

Here's a checklist of 10 things you need to do when your spouse dies:
  • Get legal, tax and financial advice. ...
  • Make funeral arrangements. ...
  • Apply for government benefits. ...
  • Contact your spouse's past and recent employers. ...
  • File life insurance claims. ...
  • Call your bank or other financial institutions.