Social Security Claiming Risk Diagnostic Review
Answer a few questions to identify your specific claiming risks and see whether your situation is simple enough to handle or worth a professional review.
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Begin Diagnostic Review
Where are you in the Social Security claiming process?
Select one of the following:
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I am younger than 62 and have not claimed
I am 62 to full retirement age and have not claimed
I am full retirement age to 70 and have not claimed
I already receive Social Security benefits
I have claimed but I am not sure whether l filed correctly
I am helping a spouse, parent, or client think through this
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Which current household situation best applies to you?
Select one of the following:
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Single / never married
Married
Divorced and not remarried
Widowed and not remarried
Separated but still legally married
Remarried after divorce or widowhood
My household history is complicated
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Could someone else's earnings record affect your claim?
Select all that apply. If only your record matters, choose only the first answer.
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No, only my own work record appears relevant
My current spouse's work record may matter
A former spouse's work record may matter
A deceased spouse or deceased former spouse's record may matter
More than one other person's record may be involved
I am not sure
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Which household issues could affect your claim?
Select all that apply. If none apply, select the first answer only.
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None of these apply
One spouse earned much more than the other
One spouse is 5+ years older than the other
One spouse has already claimed or wants to claim soon
Survivor income for the younger or lower-earning spouse is a major concern
Health or longevity differences may affect the decision
My spouse, family member, or advisor and I are not aligned on timing
I am not sure what coordination issues matter
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Could child or family benefit rules apply?
Select all that apply. No dependent child? choose the first answer.
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No dependent child
I have a child under 18
I have a child age 18-19 who is still in high school
I care for a child under 16
I have an adult child whose disability began before age 22
I am unsure whether family benefits apply
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Have you filed for any social security benefit?
Select all that apply. If you haven't filed, choose the first answer.
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No, I have not filed for any Social Security benefit
Yes, I filed within the last 12 months
Yes, I filed more than 12 months ago
I currently receive retirement benefits on my own record
I currently receive spousal, divorced-spouse, or survivor benefits
I am not sure exactly what I filed for
I started benefits early and now wonder whether that was a mistake
I may need to coordinate or switch between benefit types
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Will you work before full retirement age while receiving benefits?
Select all that apply. No work before full retirement age? Choose the first or second answer.
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No, I won't work before full retirement age
I'm already at or past full retirement age
Yes, wages from a W-2 job
Yes, self-employment or 1099 income
My earnings vary, or I may retire partway through the year
I do not know my full retirement age or whether the earnings test applies
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Any work-record or eligibility issues to review?
Select all that apply. If your record is straightforward, choose the first answer.
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My earnings record is straightforward
I have gaps, low-earning ears, or possible earnings-record errrors
I worked outside the United States
Railroad, disability, military, or other special rules may apply
I have a public pension and want to confirm how current rules apply
Multiple work-record issues may apply
I am not sure
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Which income or tax issues could affect your claim?
Select all that apply. If your situation is simple, choose the first or second option (or both).
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Social Security will be my main or only retirement income source
My retirement assets and taxes are relatively simple
I have tax-deferred retirement accounts to coordinate with claiming
I have $500,000+ in tax-deferred retirement accounts
Roth conversions, RMD timing, or tax brackets may affect my decision
Income timing ma affect my Medicare premium thresholds
I want coordination arcoss Social Security, taxes, and portfolio withdrawls
I am unsure how assets and taxes should coordinate with claiming
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What best reflects your view of claiming age?
Choose the closest match.
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There is no universally best claiming age; the right answer depends on the household
Claiming early is usually best because Social Security may change or run out of money
Waiting until 70 is usually best
I am unsure how to compare claiming early versus later
I feel rushed and do not want to make a permanent mistake
I mainly want expert confirmation before filing
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What would help you after your result?
Select all that apply.
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I mainly want to know whether I am fine without paid help
I would prefer a short expert call before making a decison
I would consider a full analysis if my answers justify it
I need to coordinate this with my spouse, family member, or advisor
I am not ready to schedule, but I want the result and follow-up education
I would like to share this with someone else
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Where should we send your result?
Enter your name and email to see your result and get a copy with free claiming tips.
Name
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First Name
Last Name
Email
*
example@example.com
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