Navigating Social Security in a Shifting Landscape: What to Consider Before You File 

If you’re feeling a bit uneasy about claiming Social Security right now, you’re not alone — and your concerns are completely valid. 

Recently, there’s been a wave of headlines covering service reductions and staffing shortages at the Social Security Administration (SSA). Some clients have shared that they’re worried about how these changes could affect their ability to file, get questions answered, or receive their benefits in a timely manner. 

While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict how the SSA’s operations may evolve, we do want to offer reassurance: claiming Social Security is still very much possible. More importantly, it’s still a critical piece of your overall retirement income plan and one that should be approached with careful thought, not panic. 

Before you make any decisions, here are five key factors we encourage all of our clients to consider, regardless of how the logistics of filing may shift. 

1. Timing impacts your benefit—permanently 

The age at which you choose to begin receiving benefits will lock in your monthly payment for life. 

Filing for benefits before your full retirement age impacts the amount you can earn. If you plan to file between age 62 and your full retirement age but still plan to work, investigate if your benefits may be impacted. On the other hand, if you wait until age 70, you could see a significant increase in your monthly benefit, thanks to delayed retirement credits. 

This decision isn’t just about when you stop working — it’s about how you want to structure your income in retirement and how long you anticipate needing that income to last. 

2. Your health and life expectancy matter 

If you’re in excellent health and have a family history of longevity, delaying benefits may help you maximize your lifetime income. Conversely, if you’re facing health challenges or believe your life expectancy may be shorter than average, claiming earlier could make more sense. 

There’s no “right” answer here — just the one that aligns with your unique situation. The goal is to optimize your benefits in the context of your overall retirement plan, not just chase the highest possible number. 

3. Don’t overlook your other income sources 

Social Security is just one piece of the puzzle. Your retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, and other assets all play a role in determining the best time to file. 

For some people, it might make sense to tap into savings first and delay Social Security. For others, claiming early provides a needed income bridge while giving investments more time to grow. The right strategy depends on your cash flow needs, tax situation, and long-term goals. 

A thoughtful income plan helps ensure that you’re drawing from the right sources at the right time and not leaving money on the table. 

4. Spousal and survivor benefits add another layer 

If you’re married, widowed, or divorced, your filing decision may affect not only your own benefits but those of your spouse or partner as well. 

For example, in a married couple, one spouse may be eligible for spousal benefits based on the other’s work record. If the higher earner delays filing, the survivor benefit available to the surviving spouse will be larger. Likewise, divorced individuals may be entitled to benefits based on a former spouse’s record under certain conditions. 

These rules are complex, but they can present powerful planning opportunities. That’s why we always encourage couples to think strategically and coordinate their Social Security decisions rather than make them in isolation. 

5. Yes, Social Security can be taxed 

Many people are surprised to learn that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits can be taxable, depending on their income level. 

That doesn’t mean it’s always bad to claim earlier or later — it just means that careful coordination with other income sources can help minimize the tax impact. Drawing tax-efficient income, managing required minimum distributions (RMDs), and timing your Social Security benefits wisely are all tools we can use to help make the most of what you’ve earned. 

The bottom line: You’re not in this alone 

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when headlines suggest that the systems you depend on might be changing. However, Social Security has always been a complex benefit to navigate, even under normal circumstances. We are here to help. 

We encourage every client to have a personal conversation with their advisor before making any Social Security decisions. What’s best for your neighbor or cousin might not be right for you. Your health, income needs, family situation, and long-term goals all deserve to be part of the conversation. 

Whether you’re approaching eligibility or simply want to be prepared for the future, we’re ready to help you think it through. 

Let’s talk through your options and make sure your decisions are grounded in confidence, not uncertainty.