The concept is simple: Contribute while you work, then retire and collect a check until you pass away. Yet when it comes to Social Security, there remains plenty of confusion.
"Deciding when to start taking your Social Security benefits is one of the most important retirement planning decisions we face," said Ken Hevert, senior vice president of retirement at Fidelity Investments. "Social Security-related decisions can be complex, with a number of trade-offs."
Here are some simple steps to get you started.
Create an on-line account
If you are ready to roll, go to the Social Security website to see your monthly benefits estimates and find instructions on how to apply. Of course, you can also walk in to any Social Security office to speak to someone in person (though that might be a hike due to budget cuts that have reduced the number of field offices.)
You can check the status of your application, keep tabs on your payments and manage your benefits by setting up a personal account. (Those without a My Social Security account will get less information by way of paper statements as the Social Security Administration cuts costs.)
"Deciding when to start taking your Social Security benefits is one of the most important retirement planning decisions we face," said Ken Hevert, senior vice president of retirement at Fidelity Investments. "Social Security-related decisions can be complex, with a number of trade-offs."
Here are some simple steps to get you started.
Create an on-line account
If you are ready to roll, go to the Social Security website to see your monthly benefits estimates and find instructions on how to apply. Of course, you can also walk in to any Social Security office to speak to someone in person (though that might be a hike due to budget cuts that have reduced the number of field offices.)
You can check the status of your application, keep tabs on your payments and manage your benefits by setting up a personal account. (Those without a My Social Security account will get less information by way of paper statements as the Social Security Administration cuts costs.)
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