Planning · RSSA®

Social Security Timing Analysis

The difference between claiming Social Security at 62 and at 70 can be six figures over a retirement — and the right answer depends on your health, marriage, and other income. An RSSA® analysis turns that decision into a clear, personalized recommendation.

As a Registered Social Security Analyst®, Kate helps you choose the claiming age and strategy that can add tens of thousands to your lifetime benefit.

Why timing is worth real money

Every year you delay claiming past your full retirement age (up to 70) permanently increases your benefit by roughly 8%. For a married couple, coordinating two benefits and the survivor benefit multiplies the stakes. And once you file, you don't get a second chance — which is why a one-time analysis can pay for itself many times over.

How the analysis works

It's a structured, five-step process built around your numbers — not guesswork:

  • A free 15-minute discovery call to answer basic questions and assess fit.
  • You engage the strategy service, and we begin the full optimization analysis.
  • We gather your Social Security, income, and retirement details.
  • We build your personalized claiming strategy with timing scenarios.
  • We walk through it together on a Zoom review, with clear next steps.

What you get

Every analysis produces a concrete, written plan you can act on:

  • A personalized claiming strategy with monthly, annual, and lifetime benefit amounts
  • Early-vs-delayed timing scenarios
  • Spousal and survivor benefit strategy
  • Tax-impact awareness and coordinated claiming options
  • A customized RSSA® presentation and clear next steps

Pricing

The 15-minute discovery call is always free. The full optimization analysis is a separate, one-time planning service:

PackageFeeWho it's for
Individual$195Single, divorced, or widowed — includes a 45-minute RSSA® consult
Combined$445Married or head of household — adds spousal, survivor, children & longevity scenarios
SETARACall for quoteBusiness owners & self-employed (S-Corp owners 55+) — payroll-tax & retirement optimization

It connects to your Medicare and taxes

When you claim affects your income, which affects your Medicare premiums through IRMAA and the taxation of your benefits. Because Kate advises on Medicare too, the Social Security plan and the health plan are designed to work together instead of surprising you later.

This page is educational and not medical, tax, or legal advice; figures change and should be confirmed for your situation.

What's included

How we help with Social Security Timing Analysis

Personalized claiming-age comparison (62 vs. FRA vs. 70)
Spousal and survivor benefit strategy
Coordination with Medicare and IRMAA
Working-while-collecting earnings-test guidance
Written RSSA® Roadmap report
How it works

Simple, unhurried, and free to you

01

We listen

A relaxed conversation about your situation, goals, doctors, and budget — no script, no pressure.

02

We compare

We line up the options you qualify for across the carriers we represent and explain the real trade-offs in plain English.

03

We handle it — and stay

We take care of the paperwork and stick around, re-checking your plan every year through MereCare.

FAQ

Common questions

When should I start collecting Social Security?

You can start as early as 62 with a permanent reduction, get 100% at your Full Retirement Age (66–67), or delay to 70 for roughly 8% more per year. The optimal timing depends on your health, finances, and other income — which is exactly what the analysis determines.

What are spousal benefits?

A married person (or someone married 10+ years) may receive up to 50% of a spouse's benefit regardless of their own work history. We help couples maximize household income through coordinated claiming.

Do I have to live in Florida for this?

No. Kate's RSSA® credential has no geographic restriction — the Social Security optimization service is available in all 50 states, and even to Americans living abroad.

Isn't it always best to wait until 70?

Not always. Health, the need for income now, survivor planning, and tax brackets all matter. Delaying maximizes the monthly check, but the best strategy is the one that fits your whole picture.

How much does it cost to work with Mere Benefits?

Nothing extra. Plan prices are set by the carriers and are identical whether you enroll on your own or with a licensed agent — we're paid by the carriers, so our guidance is free to you.

How do I get started?

Call or text (904) 654-5450, email info@merebenefits.com, or use our contact form. We'll set up a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — in person on the First Coast, or by phone and video.

Are you independent, or tied to one insurance company?

Independent. We aren't captive to a single insurer, so we compare the options across the carriers we represent and recommend what fits you — not what pays us most.

Will I have to change doctors?

Not if we can help it. Before recommending a plan we confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are covered, so keeping your care is part of the decision.

Can you help by phone and video, or only in person?

Both. We meet clients in person across Northeast Florida and Camden County, GA, and serve all 11 of our licensed states by phone and video.

Talk with a real person

Not sure where to start?

One free, no-pressure conversation and we'll translate your options into a clear recommendation — built around your doctors, medications, and budget.

  • No cost to you
  • RSSA® · CMIP®
  • No pressure, ever

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