One of the biggest factors determining your Social Security retirement benefit is how much you earn during your career. A long, high-paying career puts you one step closer to receiving the maximum possible monthly check once you claim benefits.
But retirees shouldn't discount the impact of claiming age in their decision. When you decide to start Social Security can have a massive impact on the size of your check too.
That discrepancy is magnified when comparing the maximum possible Social Security benefit at ages 62 and 70. Some retirees decide to split the difference and claim benefits at their full retirement age, which will fall between age 66 and 67 for readers.
Looking at the difference between the maximum monthly check at each of the above ages could help retirees decide when to start Social Security.
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Here's the salary you need if you want the maximum Social Security benefit
As mentioned, a long, high-paying career is necessary for anyone interested in the maximum Social Security benefit.
When the Social Security Administration goes to calculate your benefit, it takes…