Before you file: What you need to know about Social Security retirement benefits

When to file for Social Security is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. By making a filing decision with intention and a greater level of understanding, you can optimize your benefits — securing a larger foundation of monthly income for your retirement. In fact, the Social Security Administration reports that filing at age 70 results in monthly retirement benefits that are as much as 77% higher than filing at age 62.¹

Too often, however, Americans claim benefits early locking in reduced payments for life (and possibly for the life of their surviving spouse, too).²  What's more, the Social Security Administration reports benefits are on pace to be cut by roughly 20% for all recipients beginning as early as 2033.³

Our resources can help you educate yourself on Social Security so that you can have more meaningful conversations with a financial professional — and make the filing decision that’s best for you.

Read the findings from our 12th annual Social Security survey

The Nationwide Retirement Institute® has teamed with The Harris Poll for each of the past 12 years to survey Americans’ knowledge of and concerns about Social Security. We explore how guidance and planning needs differ between women and men and amongst various generational groups or ethnicities. We believe our findings can help you and your financial professional make a more informed filing decision.