3 Situations Where Planning to Claim Social Security at 70 Can Backfire

Key Points You may get a larger lifetime benefit by applying earlier if you have a short life expectancy. Delaying until 70 isn't your best option if you need your checks to pay your bills today. Your spouse can't claim a spousal benefit on your work record until you apply for retirement benefits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Delaying your Social Security application until age 70 will get you the largest monthly checks, but that doesn't mean it's always your best option. There are times when doing so could cost you or your family money or may even put you in a tight financial spot. If any of these three things apply to you, you're probably better off applying for Social Security benefits earlier.