10. Social Security is designed so it shouldn’t matter what age you claim benefits

Considering your family’s health history and your current health status could be crucial in figuring out what you should do. That’s because your Social Security is designed in such a way that will ensure you’ll receive the same lifetime benefits no matter when you start claiming.

Why’s health important, then? Well, the program will also try to work out how many years you have left. If you outlive the projections you’ll receive more benefits, meaning larger checks if you wait before claiming.

If you pass away earlier, you probably won’t see the benefit of higher cheks.