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Retired Military Finances 101: When to Claim Social Security Thumbnail

Retired Military Finances 101: When to Claim Social Security

Retirement Funding

If you're a retired Senior Military Officer or NCO, you are lucky. Between your military pension and likely VA disability compensation you already have a relatively significant guaranteed stream of income. You'll get one more bite at the apple with Social Security. Deciding when to claim Social Security can make a difference in your monthly bottom line.

Before You Retire

Your monthly Social Security Benefit amount is calculated based on the number of years you have worked and the taxes you have paid into the Social Security Benefits program. Social Security counts the years you have paid taxes as “credits” for years that you have worked. For example, if you were born in 1929 or afterward, you must have 40 credits to receive Social Security benefits when you retire. This is equal to about 10 years of work.1

Your benefit amount is also calculated by the number of credits you have earned during your working years. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has made it easier for you to verify your expected benefits by setting up an online account. It is worth double-checking your earnings to catch errors, if any, and factor in your expected benefits as you strategize for retirement.1

How Much Will I Get at Different Points?

There are several ages that should be considered when deciding when to claim Social Security.

  • Early Retirement Age: The earliest age you can claim Social Security benefits is 62. However, if you claim Social Security early, you will be penalized for not waiting until the full retirement age.1,2
  • Full Retirement Age: This is the age when you are eligible to receive the full amount of your Social Security benefits. The full retirement age is calculated based on the year you were born. For example, for those born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age was 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960 (or after), the full retirement age goes up to 67.1,2
  • Delayed Retirement Age: You can also delay the claim of your retirement benefits until age 70. If you wait until then, you will continue earning benefits. However, benefits stop accruing at age 70, so there may not be any reason to delay the claim of benefits past age 70.1,2

Military Finances are Different

Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is an important decision to make as you approach your ultimate retirement. The decision is a little different for a retired Senior Military Officer or NCO as you're already heavily annuitized. That's why we think you should talk to a Financial Advisor or Planner that works with active and retired military members each and every day. If you'd like to chat about how we do things, use the button below to schedule a free initial consultation.

If you found this article useful, you might like the following blog posts:

Potential Retirement Surprise Waiting for Some Military Spouses: GPO


Military Finances 201: Take Social Security Early and Invest It?


Another "Round" of Social Security for All My Friends!



  1. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/learn.html
  2. https://www.cnbc.com/select/when-should-you-collect-social-security/

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