Should I take SS benefits at 65 with family history of early death, or wait until FRA?

This is actually a really common dilemma, and one that requires looking at both math and personal circumstances. Since you mentioned your family longevity concerns, that's definitely a valid factor in your decision-making process. A few thoughts: 1) If you claim at 65, you'll face approximately a 13.3% reduction from your full retirement age benefit 2) The breakeven point you calculated around age 80 sounds about right 3) Your ability to invest those early benefits could potentially offset some of the reduction Have you considered a split strategy? You could file for your own reduced benefit now, then if you do live past the breakeven point, you could voluntarily suspend benefits at FRA to earn delayed retirement credits until 70. This gives you some flexibility if you beat the family history odds.

TAKE THE MONEY NOW!!! Sorry for shouting but I've seen this exact situation play out badly. My dad waited until 70 to maximize his SS and then died at 72. TWO YEARS of benefits and then GONE. The government keeps all that money he could have had for 5 extra years!!! Don't trust the breakeven calculations - they assume you'll live to be 85+ which sounds like it's not likely given your family history. The SSA benefits from people dying early after delaying!!

I faced a similar situation three years ago and decided to split the difference. I took my benefits at 66 (my FRA was 66 and 4 months) because of family health history concerns. One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned yet is that if you're married, your decision affects survivor benefits for your spouse. If your spouse would receive more from survivor benefits than their own record, waiting might make sense even with family longevity concerns.

Something important to consider: you mentioned you have enough passive income that you don't need SS right now. If you claim early at 65 and your total income exceeds certain thresholds, you could trigger the Social Security earnings test if you're under FRA. For 2025, if you earn over $22,750 (the projected limit), SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. Have you calculated if your passive income might trigger this? It's a common oversight that can drastically reduce those early benefits.

im 68 and took mine at 66... family history is important but dont forget medical advances too! my dad died at 67 heart attack but with todays medicine I'm doing fine with same condition he had. no regerts either way just my 2 cents

I wasted 6 days trying to reach someone at Social Security to ask similar questions about early filing options. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me a callback from SSA within 2 hours! Was able to discuss all my filing questions with an actual person instead of getting lost in the automated system. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - saved me so much frustration when I needed specifics about early filing impacts.

Looking back at your original post, I think everyone's missing something important here. You mentioned potentially taking the money now to ensure your kids get something if you die early. Remember that Social Security retirement benefits don't pass to your children when you die (unless they're minors or disabled). Only your spouse can claim survivor benefits. If leaving money to your kids is a priority, taking benefits early and investing them could indeed create an inheritable asset, whereas delaying benefits would not help your adult children at all if you pass away early.

just wondering when your birthday is? we might be SS twins lol...im december 13th and also turning 65!

One more resource to consider is the SSA's Annual Statistical Supplement, which contains actuarial tables based on mortality data. Based on current tables, a male at age 65 has an average additional life expectancy of approximately 18.2 years, which would put you at 83+. However, family history can certainly adjust those expectations. Since your wife is significantly younger and would rely on survivor benefits, you might consider a hybrid approach: file now at 65 for reduced benefits, but set aside a portion of those payments in a separate investment specifically earmarked to help offset the reduced survivor benefit your wife would receive if you pass away. This gives you the best of both worlds - early access to benefits while still planning for your wife's financial security.

Has anyone mentioned the tax implications yet? If you're already comfortable with your passive income, taking SS early might push you into a higher tax bracket where up to 85% of your SS benefits become taxable. Sometimes waiting makes sense JUST for the tax planning aspect.

update us on what you decide! im curious what youll choose