For someone bornMay 26, 1959, Full Retirement Age is66 years 10 months (March 2026).
Let’s assume your benefit today is$3,500/month.
If you delay untilage 70, Social Security increases your benefit by about25%, bringing it to roughly$4,400/month.
But waiting means giving up about 38 months of payments:
• Benefits forgone: ~$133,000
• Additional income at 70:~$900/month
Break-even point:aboutage 82½.
If you livebeyond 82–83, delaying to70producesmore lifetime Social Security income.
Why do many planners recommend delaying?
• ~8% annual increase after FRA
• Highersurvivor benefit for a spouse
• Acts like agovernment-backed longevity annuity
Bottom line:If longevity is on your side, waiting can be a powerful strategy. But if not…
Is it worth waiting 12.5 years to break even? What can you grow the extra $136,000 into?