4 Essential Things to Do Before You Claim Social Security in 2026
Applying for Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision. Before choosing a filing date, it helps to review your earnings record, health coverage, household situation, and plans for working after retirement.
Social Security rules are not the same for every household. The best time to claim benefits can depend on your age, health, expected income, spouse or family situation, and other retirement resources. This checklist covers four practical items to review before you apply.
1. Check Your Social Security Earnings Record
Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. If you have fewer than 35 years of earnings, Social Security uses zeroes for the missing years when calculating your benefit amount.
Before applying, log in to your my Social Security account and review your earnings record year by year. Look for missing jobs, income that appears too low, or years that do not match your tax documents.
Quick Action Item
Create or sign in to your my Social Security account. Download your Social Security Statement and compare the earnings record with your W-2 forms, tax returns, or self-employment records. If you believe there is an error, gather your documents and contact Social Security before filing for benefits.
Correcting an earnings record can take time. Reviewing it early gives you time to ask questions and provide documentation if needed.
2. Review Medicare Enrollment Before Age 65
Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare do not always begin at the same time. You may choose to delay Social Security retirement benefits beyond age 65, but Medicare eligibility generally begins at age 65.
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after it. Some people are enrolled automatically if they are already receiving Social Security benefits, while others need to sign up themselves.
If you or your spouse have health coverage through current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and may be able to delay Part B without a late-enrollment penalty. However, COBRA coverage, retiree coverage, and some other health plans may not protect you from a Part B penalty.
Before delaying Medicare Part B, confirm your situation directly with Medicare, your employer benefits office, or a qualified Medicare counselor. Part D drug coverage has separate rules, including whether your current prescription coverage is considered creditable.
Important Medicare Reminder
Missing the correct enrollment period can create a gap in coverage and may result in a late-enrollment penalty. Medicare Part B penalties generally continue for as long as you have Part B coverage.
3. Coordinate Social Security Decisions With Your Spouse
For married couples, Social Security planning is often a household decision rather than an individual one. Your filing choice can affect your monthly income, potential spousal benefits, and survivor benefits.
An eligible spouse may receive up to one-half of the worker’s Full Retirement Age benefit. The actual amount depends on eligibility rules, the spouse’s age when benefits begin, and the spouse’s own earnings record.
It is important to understand that waiting beyond Full Retirement Age can increase a worker’s own retirement benefit, but it does not increase the maximum regular spousal benefit above one-half of the worker’s Full Retirement Age amount.
However, delaying the higher earner’s benefit may still matter for survivor planning. Delayed retirement credits can increase the benefit amount that may be available to a surviving spouse, depending on the household’s circumstances and filing history.
- Compare each spouse’s estimated Social Security benefit.
- Review both spouses’ Full Retirement Ages.
- Consider who may need the income first.
- Consider the effect on the surviving spouse if one spouse dies first.
- Use the SSA benefit estimator before making a filing decision.
4. Understand Work Rules and Federal Taxes
If you plan to work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits before Full Retirement Age, the Social Security earnings test may temporarily withhold part of your benefits.
Social Security Earnings Test for 2026
- If you are below Full Retirement Age for all of 2026: Social Security may withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $24,480.
- If you reach Full Retirement Age during 2026: Social Security may withhold $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above $65,160. This applies only to earnings before the month you reach Full Retirement Age.
- Starting with the month you reach Full Retirement Age: there is no earnings limit for Social Security retirement benefits.
The earnings test generally applies to wages and net earnings from self-employment. Income from pensions, IRA withdrawals, investment income, interest, and most other non-work income generally does not count toward the earnings test.
Benefits withheld because of the earnings test are not necessarily lost forever. When you reach Full Retirement Age, Social Security may adjust your monthly benefit to account for months when benefits were withheld because of excess earnings.
Federal Income Taxes on Social Security
Some Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. The IRS uses a calculation often called combined income, which generally includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest, and one-half of your Social Security benefits.
| Filing Status | Combined Income Range | Possible Federal Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse | $25,000 to $34,000 | Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable |
| Single, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse | More than $34,000 | Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,000 to $44,000 | Up to 50% of benefits may be taxable |
| Married Filing Jointly | More than $44,000 | Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable |
“Up to 85% taxable” does not mean you pay an 85% tax rate. It means that up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be included in taxable income, depending on your household income and filing status.
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
| What to Review | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Social Security Earnings Record | Your benefit estimate is based on your reported earnings history. |
| Medicare Enrollment Timing | Medicare timing may be different from your Social Security filing date. |
| Spouse and Survivor Planning | One spouse’s filing choice may affect the other spouse’s future income. |
| Work Income and Taxes | Working before FRA and other income sources can affect benefits and tax planning. |
Before You Submit Your Application
Before applying for Social Security retirement benefits, review your estimated benefit amounts and household budget. It can also be useful to compare several filing ages, such as age 62, Full Retirement Age, and age 70.
For personalized information, use your my Social Security account and consider speaking with Social Security, a qualified tax professional, or a retirement professional who understands your full financial situation.
Sources and Further Reading
- Social Security Administration: my Social Security Account
- Social Security Administration: Receiving Benefits While Working
- Social Security Administration: Spouse’s Benefits
- Medicare: When Medicare Coverage Starts
- Medicare: Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties
- IRS Topic No. 423: Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits
Last reviewed: July 2026
Editorial note: This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not individualized Social Security, Medicare, tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, amounts, and eligibility requirements can change. Review official government sources or speak with a qualified professional before making a personal retirement decision.
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