7 Must-Ask Social Security Questions Before You Retire

Retirement is something many of us dream about—no more morning commute, no endless meetings, and finally the freedom to live life on your own terms. But as exciting as it sounds, the financial side of retirement can be intimidating, especially when it comes to Social Security. For most Americans, Social Security is a big piece of the retirement puzzle, and getting it wrong could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

The truth is, Social Security is not as simple as it looks. When to file, how much you will receive, and how your choices affect your spouse or other income sources are all questions you need to think through before making a move. The good news? With the right information, you can make decisions that set you up for a more comfortable and confident retirement.

Here are seven must-ask questions to help guide you before you take that leap into your golden years.

1. Will Social Security Still Be Around When I Retire?

This is probably the number one question on people’s minds. You have likely heard alarming headlines about Social Security “running out of money.” The reality is that while the system is projected to face funding challenges in the next decade, it is not going away. Current projections show the program will be able to pay full benefits until around 2033, and even after that, it is expected to continue paying about three-quarters of promised benefits unless reforms are made.

That might sound unsettling, but keep in mind that Social Security has been adjusted before and is considered politically untouchable for most lawmakers. Chances are, the program will be tweaked—through tax changes or benefit adjustments—rather than dismantled. Still, it is wise to plan for flexibility. Building extra savings or considering other income streams can help you feel more secure no matter what happens in Washington.

2. What Is My Full Retirement Age and Why Does It Matter?

Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the magic number that determines how much of your benefit you receive. It is based on your birth year. For example, if you were born in 1960 or later, your FRA is 67. If you file earlier than your FRA, your benefit will be permanently reduced. Claim at age 62, and you could see up to a 30 percent cut in your monthly check.

On the flip side, waiting until after your FRA has its perks. For each year you delay, your benefit grows by about 8 percent until age 70. That means if you are healthy and can afford to wait, your monthly checks could be significantly higher for the rest of your life.

So the real question is not just “When can I file?” but “When should I file based on my health, lifestyle, and financial goals?”

3. What Is My Break-Even Age?

The “break-even age” is where timing decisions get interesting. If you claim Social Security early, you get smaller checks for more years. If you delay, you get fewer checks, but they are bigger. The break-even age is the point where both options pay out about the same in total lifetime benefits. For many people, that point comes in their late seventies.

If you live longer than your break-even age, delaying benefits usually means you will come out ahead. But if your health or family history suggests a shorter lifespan, claiming earlier could help you maximize what you receive. It is one of those decisions where personal circumstances matter a lot. Running a few “what if” scenarios or talking with a financial advisor can help you see which option works best for you.

4. Can I Change My Mind After Filing?

The good news is yes—you can change your mind, but the rules are strict. Social Security allows you to withdraw your application within 12 months of claiming benefits, but you can only do this once in your lifetime. To make it more complicated, you have to pay back any benefits you have already received.

There is also another option: if you have reached your FRA but are younger than 70, you can voluntarily suspend your benefits to let them grow. This flexibility is helpful if your financial situation changes or if you realize you would rather have larger payments later in life. Just be sure to understand the rules before making your first filing decision so you do not end up with regrets.

5. How Does Working in Retirement Affect My Benefits?

Retirement today often looks different than it did for our parents. Many people keep working part-time or even start second careers. But if you claim Social Security before your FRA and continue earning income, there are limits to how much you can make before it affects your benefit.

In 2025, the earnings limit for those under FRA is $22,320. If you earn more than that, Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. The year you reach FRA, the rules are a little easier—$1 withheld for every $3 above a higher limit. Once you hit FRA, the earnings cap disappears completely, and you can earn as much as you like without affecting your benefits.

The takeaway? If you plan to keep working, understand how your income could temporarily reduce your Social Security checks. The good news is that withheld benefits are not gone forever—they are recalculated and added back later.

6. Could My Pension or Non-Covered Work Reduce My Benefits?

If you worked in a job that did not pay into Social Security—such as certain state, local, or federal government jobs—you may be subject to special rules that reduce your benefit. These rules are known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

The WEP can reduce your own Social Security benefit if you receive a pension from non-covered work. The GPO can reduce spousal or survivor benefits if you have a government pension. Many people do not realize these rules exist until it is too late, so it is critical to check your work history and understand how a pension might interact with your Social Security.

If you think this applies to you, use the calculators on the Social Security Administration’s website or talk with a financial professional to get a clearer picture of how your benefits could be affected.

7. Should I Claim Based on My Own Record or a Spouse’s (or Ex-Spouse’s)?

For married couples, Social Security is not just an individual decision—it is a team decision. You may be able to claim benefits based on your own work history, your spouse’s, or even your ex-spouse’s record if your marriage lasted at least 10 years.

Spousal benefits can be as much as 50 percent of your spouse’s benefit, and survivor benefits allow the surviving spouse to keep the higher of the two checks after one spouse passes away. This makes it especially important for couples to coordinate when and how they claim.

If you are divorced, you may still be eligible to claim based on your ex’s record without affecting their benefits. That little-known rule has helped many people boost their income in retirement.

Final Thoughts

Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you will ever make, and it is about more than just picking a date on the calendar. The timing of your claim, your work history, your health, and even your spouse’s situation all come into play.

The best way to prepare is to ask the right questions now, rather than wait until you are staring at retirement paperwork. Log in to your “My Social Security” account online, run some scenarios, and talk things over with a financial advisor or even your partner. The more informed you are, the more confident you will feel.

Retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about whether you made the right financial move years ago. By thinking ahead and making smart choices about Social Security, you can set yourself up for a future that is not only secure but also full of the freedom and experiences you have been looking forward to.