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Money & Retirement

Retirement and Social Security

Retirement decisions set your income for the rest of your life. The age you claim Social Security changes your monthly check for good. A spouse's benefits, work after claiming, and taxes on benefits all change the picture, and the rules are hard to reverse once a choice is made.

The guides here walk through claiming ages, spousal and survivor benefits, and how work income affects your check. You will also find how retirement income meets health costs, including Medicare premiums taken from your check, and where to get free help from your local Social Security office or a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor before you file.

Guides in this category

Start here: Understanding Spousal, Divorced-Spouse, and Survivor Benefits.

Understanding Spousal, Divorced-Spouse, and Survivor BenefitsHow Social Security spousal, divorced-spouse, and survivor benefits work: who can get them, how much they pay, and how the age you claim changes the check.

Continue on Care and Living Guide

Medicare Supplement plans — Compare Medicare Supplement plans and what they cover.

Free local help

Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost:

Eldercare LocatorFind your local Area Agency on Aging and aging services near you.BenefitsCheckUpA benefits check from the National Council on Aging.State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)Free, unbiased help with Medicare questions from trained local counselors.

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