What happens if I start collecting Social Security after full retirement age?
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Answer:
You'll get a bigger check every month. However, how much bigger depends upon what year you reach full retirement age, and how long you postpone collecting benefits.
The following chart shows how much more you'll get for every year you delay collecting benefits past your full retirement age, based on the year you were born (up to age 70, when you have to start collecting Social Security):
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Year you were born
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The extra benefit you'll get if you postpone collecting benefits
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1937-1938
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6.5% more per year
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1939-1940
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7% more per year
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1941-1942
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7.5% more per year
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1943 or later
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8% more per year
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To get an estimate of how much you'll receive when you begin collecting Social Security, call (800) 772-1213 or visit the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov) to request a Social Security Statement or to use the Social Security Administration's Retirement Estimator.
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Gordon J Maier & Company, LLP