Are you worried you might be leaving money on the table when it comes to deciding when to claim your Social Security benefits?

For many Central Pennsylvania residents, Social Security will serve as a meaningful source of income in retirement. But deciding how and when to claim it can be more complicated than expected. Age, income sources, and marital status can all affect how much you’ll receive and for how long.

At 1st Choice Financial Services, Inc., we specialize in helping individuals and couples across Harrisburg, Hershey, Halifax, Lancaster, Lebanon, Enola, Mechanicsburg, and nearby communities create a solid retirement plan that accounts for both the numbers and the lifestyle you envision.

This article walks you through the key Social Security decisions that could impact your retirement and the questions to begin considering today.

Understanding How Social Security Works

Social Security is a federal program that provides income to retirees, disabled individuals, and the surviving family members of deceased workers. Although it may seem straightforward, your benefit amount depends on several moving parts.

Your primary insurance amount (PIA)—the monthly benefit you may be eligible to receive at full retirement age—is based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. If you haven’t worked 35 full years, zero-income years are factored in, which can reduce your benefit.

You may be able to increase your benefit by working additional years, especially if your recent earnings are higher than those in earlier years on your record. It’s a good idea to review your Social Security Statement annually through your my Social Security account to verify your earnings history and projected benefits.

When Should You Claim?

Choosing when to claim Social Security is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your retirement planning in Pennsylvania. The earliest you can file is age 62, but doing so permanently reduces your monthly benefit by as much as 25% to 30%, depending on your full retirement age (FRA).

Your FRA is determined by your birth year and typically falls between the ages of 66 and 67. This is the age at which you may be eligible to receive your full, unreduced benefit.

If your specific situation allows, delaying beyond your FRA can result in higher monthly payments up to 8% more for each year you wait, until age 70. This delayed credit can offer substantial long-term value, especially if you expect to live well into your 80s or beyond.

The decision to claim early, at FRA, or later depends on your overall financial picture, including other income sources, your health, employment plans, and personal goals. A personalized review from a retirement planning specialist in Central Pennsylvania can help you explore which option may fit your needs best.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

Beyond the basics of when to claim, here are some advanced strategies that may help you get more value from your Social Security.

Strategic Timing for Spousal Benefits

If you’re married and one spouse has a significantly higher earning record, it may be smart to delay their benefit until age 70. This increases their monthly income and boosts the spousal benefit—since it’s based on the higher earner’s full retirement age (FRA) amount.

The lower-earning or non-working spouse should consider waiting until their own FRA to claim. While spousal benefits don’t grow beyond that age, claiming early can reduce them by up to 35%.

For couples where one spouse is still working, a “split strategy” may help: the lower earner claims their benefit or spousal benefit at FRA, while the higher earner delays to grow lifetime benefits.

Coordinate Benefits With Employment and Earnings

If you claim before FRA and keep working, your benefit may be reduced due to earnings limits. But that reduction isn’t permanent—it’s credited back through a future recalculation once you reach FRA. For many Central PA residents still working part-time or seasonally, this can help manage income while allowing benefits to grow.

Divorced Spouse Benefits May Still Be Available

A divorced spouse may qualify for benefits based on a former spouse’s record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you’re currently unmarried, and you are age 62 or older. Claiming divorced spousal benefits doesn’t reduce your ex-spouse’s benefit. It may provide helpful income without relying on your own record.

Make Tax Efficiency Part of the Plan

Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Using Roth IRA withdrawals or drawing from after-tax accounts can help keep income below those IRS thresholds. Coordinating tax strategies with wealth management in Harrisburg may help you keep more of your benefits over time.

Social Security Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While maximizing your Social Security benefits is important, it’s only part of a broader strategy. Most retirees rely on a combination of income sources, including:

• 401(k)s and traditional IRAs
• Roth IRAs or other after-tax investments
• Pensions
• Health Savings Accounts
• Personal savings or brokerage accounts
• Part-time work or rental income

Each of these sources is taxed differently and may be best utilized at different points in retirement. That’s where thoughtful planning and organizing these income streams to help manage your tax exposure comes into play.

Why Working With Retirement Advisors in Central Pennsylvania Matters

Navigating your benefit options can feel overwhelming. Mistakes like claiming too early or overlooking spousal benefits can be costly. Working with an independent retirement advisor that Harrisburg, PA residents trust can help you make decisions based on your personal timeline, goals, and financial position.

At 1st Choice Financial Services, Inc., we take a local, personalized approach to retirement planning. We don’t rely on generic strategies or software-generated reports. Instead, we work one-on-one to help you:

• Evaluate the best time to claim Social Security
• Understand how income sources interact with Social Security tax rules
• Identify potential gaps or opportunities in your current plan
• Position your resources for long-term retirement income

Our experienced team is committed to helping you make decisions that support your lifestyle—not just your bottom line.

Let’s talk about what your options may be. 

Connect with us today and start building a plan that suits your life, your goals, and your future.

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), an SEC registered investment adviser. The views, statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the  1st Choice Financial, and not necessarily of Foundations or their affiliates.  The content provided is for educational purposes only and the views reflected are subject to change at any time without notice.   No investment, legal or tax advice is provided.    Always consult with a professional.  Foundations deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from  third party sources that is included in this article,  but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness. This is not endorsed or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any U.S. government agency.