Other Things to Consider 
What Is The Best Age To Start Your Benefits? The answer is that there is no one " best age " for everyone and, ultimately, it is your choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances. Your monthly benefit amount can differ substantially based on the age when you start receiving benefits. If you decide to start benefits : before your full retirement age , your benefit will be smaller but you will receive it for a longer period of time. at your full retirement age or later , you will receive a larger monthly benefit for a shorter period of time. The amount you receive when you first get benefits sets the base for the amount you will receive for the rest of your life. You may want to consider the following when you make that decision : If you plan to continue working , there are limits on how much you can earn each year between age 62 and full retirement age and still get all your benefits. Depending on the amount of your benefit and your earnings for the year , you may have to give up some of your benefits. If your earnings will be high , you may decide to wait until full retirement age to start your benefits. Once you reach full retirement age , there is no limit on how much you can earn. Reminders : After you reach full retirement age , we recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for any months in which you did not receive a benefit because of your earnings. When additional earnings appear on your record , we check whether they will increase your monthly benefit. If they do , we will send you a letter telling you your new benefit amount. You can apply for just Medicare at age 65 and start receiving retirement benefits later. When you think about retirement , be sure to plan for the long term. A man who turned 65 in 2014 can expect to live about another 19.3 years. A woman who turned 65 the same year can expect to live about another 21.6 years. And tho

user: I am not sure if I should apply for Medicare.

assistant: I understand. It's important to consider that Medicare usually starts when you reach age 65.

assistant: Are you planning to delay starting your benefits?

user: Yes, I was thinking about doing just that. You know, my current situation made me think a delay might be a good idea.

assistant: In that case be sure to contact Social Security about 3 months before you turn age 65 to check about applying for Medicare.

user: What about my wife? I think she also qualifies for benefits from my record.

assistant: If your wife qualifies for benefits from your record, the value of her benefits, added to your own, may help you decide if taking your benefits sooner is your best choice. 

user: Got it, but I do have health insurance at my current job. Does this impact my Medicare plans somehow?

assistant: Even if you have health insurance through a current or former employer or as part of your severance package, you should still check to see whether you need to sign up for Medicare. Some health insurance plans change automatically at age 65.

user: Will do. So tell me, could I also choose to get my retirement benefits earlier?

assistant: That is possible, you may choose to start receiving retirement benefits earlier.