What is a RSSA and why do I need one?
A RSSA (Registered Social Security Analyst) is a credentialed specialist trained to analyze Social Security claiming strategies. The difference between filing at the right vs. wrong time can be $100,000–$250,000+ in lifetime benefits. We run a comprehensive analysis using your actual earnings record to find your optimal filing strategy.
What is the best age to claim Social Security?
There's no universal answer — it depends on your health, other income sources, spousal situation, and tax picture. Filing at 62 means smaller monthly checks; waiting until 70 maximizes your monthly benefit by 24–32% compared to full retirement age. Our RSSA analysis models dozens of scenarios to find YOUR optimal date.
How do spousal benefits work?
A spouse can receive up to 50% of their partner's full retirement age benefit, even with little or no work history. Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted 10+ years. Coordinating when each spouse files is critical — the wrong sequence can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
What is the Social Security earnings test?
If you claim Social Security before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) and continue working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits ($22,320 in 2025). After reaching FRA, you can earn unlimited income with no reduction. Benefits withheld before FRA are generally recredited to you as a higher monthly payment once you reach FRA.
Can I claim Social Security and still work?
Yes, but the earnings test applies if you're under FRA. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and collect Social Security with no benefit reduction. We can model the optimal combination of work, Social Security, and retirement account withdrawals to minimize taxes.
How does Social Security affect my Medicare premiums?
Social Security and Medicare are closely linked — Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are typically deducted directly from your Social Security check. Your income from two years prior determines your IRMAA bracket. Timing your Social Security filing to control income can directly reduce your Medicare costs.
What happens to my Social Security if my spouse dies?
A surviving spouse can claim the higher of their own benefit or their deceased spouse's benefit. Survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). The rules around survivor vs. retirement benefits are complex — getting this wrong is one of the most common and costly Social Security mistakes.
What is the RSSA Basic vs. Standard vs. Premium package?
Basic ($997) covers a comprehensive personal analysis with a 60-minute strategy session. Standard ($1,897) adds spousal optimization, Medicare coordination, and a written lifetime income plan. Premium ($3,997) includes everything in Standard plus ongoing annual reviews, tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing, and priority access. All packages include analysis of your actual SSA earnings record.
How do I get my Social Security statement?
Create an account at ssa.gov to access your Social Security statement, which shows your estimated benefits at various ages. We'll need this statement (or your permission to access it) to run your full RSSA analysis.