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: Are there things I need to consider when it comes to retirement benefits planning?

assistant: Yes there are. A good place to start is to figure out which age works best for you to start receiving your benefits. Have you considered that yet?

user: No, I have not given much thought as to what age will work best for me. Can you provide me with assistance on this?

user: Are there things that can't be ruled out in regards to making decisions about your future?

assistant: Yes, many unforseen circumstances can occur like a car accident, so your final decision may have to be based on your "best guess."

user: So anything unexpected like accidents and health problems should be taken into consideration? 

assistant: Yes, that is correct.

user: Is there an age that is considered the best to start your benefits?

assistant: No there isn't a "one age suits all" scenario. It is ultimately up to you and your informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances. 

user: Is there someone I should contact if I decide to start delaying when I start my benefits?

assistant: Yes, you would need to contact Social Security 3 months before you turn 65 so that you can look into applying for Medicare.

user: Should I still look into whether I need to sign up for Medicare if I still have health insurance through my former employer?

assistant: Yes, you should look into this because some health insurance plans change automatically when you turn 65.

user: If my earnings reach a certain amount, will I have to give up my benefits?

assistant: Yes, you may have to give up some of your benefits.