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: Hello, I would like some information about Medicare, do I qualify.

assistant: you certainly do if you are over the age of 65.

assistant: Do you plan to delay your retirement benefits?

user: No I think I won't.

user: What happens when my spouse files a benefit?

assistant: If that is the case, they will effectively be filing for all retirement or spousal benefits.

user: I've read something about widow benefits, what is that?

assistant: f you qualify for benefits as a widow you have the option to apply for survivors benefits now and delay your retirement benefit until later.

user: Can my spouse receive benefits on my record?

assistant: If they are of a certain age, then they must file straight away and will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits.

user: Is there a earnings limit when I reach my full retirement age?

assistant: No, once you reach full retirement age there is no limit on how much you can earn.

user: What if I die, will my spouse get full benefits?

assistant: After full retirement age, your surviving spouse may receive your full benefit amount plus any accumulated delayed retirement credits.

user: Is there a downside to applying for Medicare later than recommended?

assistant: Yes there might be a delay of your Medicare coverage and it might cost more.