What does delaying Social Security actually change?
Compare start ages, monthly checks, and the age when total checks may catch up.
A smaller number of checks—or a larger lifelong monthly floor?
Move one slider at a time. The numbers and picture update together.
$228,480 in simplified earlier checks is exchanged for a larger monthly floor.
This uses rough age factors for a person whose full retirement age is 67. Check your Social Security statement and an official calculator before choosing a start date.
The monthly change is permanent
For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is usually 67. Starting at 62 can lower the check by as much as 30%. Waiting can raise it until age 70.
The lab uses simple age rules. Start with your Social Security statement because your work record, birthday, family, and start month change the true check.
The catch-up age is only one clue
The catch-up age shows when total checks from a later start may pass total checks from an earlier start. It leaves out taxes, savings, health, work, Medicare, and survivor benefits.
Test several start ages for a couple. The two spouses may not need to use the same rule.
Verify before you act
These official resources provide background for the concepts in this illustration: