Social Security Benefits

What determines Social Security eligibility

Generally, any person who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years qualifies for Social Security benefits. Benefits can be claimed when you turn 62, but the Social Security benefit amount will be at a reduced amount.

If you want to receive 100% of the benefit, you'll need to wait until you reach your full retirement age to claim benefits. Your full retirement age depends on the year in which you were born.

You can also elect to receive your Social Security benefits after your full retirement age, entitling you to delayed retirement credits. These credits increase your payment for every month beyond your full retirement age that you delay. Overall, delaying increases your benefit by 8% for every year you hold off, until age 70.

Apply about three months before when you want your benefits to start. When to apply, depends on your needs. There are pros and Consultation with to delaying on collecting your Social Security benefits. But, you must take Medicare benefits at full retirement age or risk incurring penalties. Even if you are not receiving your Social Security retirement benefit when you turn 65, you need to apply for Medicare. This can be done online at the Social Security Administration's website. Your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and extends for three months thereafter. Failure to timely apply for Medicare means a permanent penalty of 10% of the Medicare Part B premium for every year you were supposed to enroll but did not.