Proven: You can't let this from the US SSA slip by, it changes everything

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a key notice for workers who are considering retirement. Their recommendation is clear: seriously consider delayed retirement if you want to get more out of your pension.

The SSA offers so-called delayed retirement credits. If you decide to wait until you reach full retirement age (which is between 66 and 67 years old, depending on your year of birth) and apply for your pension later, your payments automatically increase.

Important Notice from the SSA About Retirement: Why We Should Delay It

From age 67 to 70, you can increase your pension by up to 8% each year. For example, delaying until age 70 can mean a monthly pension that's between 24% and 32% higher.

Continuing to work after reaching full retirement age brings double benefits; extra income isn't penalized once you've reached that age. Second, each year of work usually replaces a year with low earnings within the 35 years that the SSA uses to calculate your pension. The more you work and earn, the higher your future retirement will be.

How Does the US Government Incentivize Workers?

The SSA not only allows you to earn more for each extra year worked, but also creates an environment where each additional year adds real value. Delayed credits are a direct incentive. In addition, the system was changed so that the longer you delay your application, the greater the guaranteed return you get, around 7–8% per year.

The SSA also uses information campaigns, following recommendations from commissions such as Simpson‑Bowles, to encourage workers to delay retirement. You'll get more fixed money and for life: your monthly benefits will be higher and will be adjusted each year for inflation.

In addition, protection will be long-term: if you work more, your pension will be higher and more stable. If you pass away, your family will receive an advantage thanks to those delayed credits.

There Are Also Drawbacks to Note

Of course, working until age 70 means fewer years contributing and no immediate income from the SSA. If you have fragile health or urgent financial needs, you might not recover what you've invested. In addition, the profitability of this delay depends on living long enough to surpass the break-even point, which is usually 12–14 years after full retirement age.

Through its website and campaigns, the SSA encourages you to explore your options, use their online calculators, and clearly consider when to apply. They recommend registering for Medicare at age 65 even if you delay your pension, to avoid expensive surcharges.