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10 Mistakes That Reduce Your Social Security Payments

March 10, 2026 · Personal finance

Table of Contents

  1. Claiming at Age 62 Without Running the Numbers
  2. Misunderstanding the Annual Earnings Test
  3. Forgetting About Spousal Benefits
  4. Ignoring the Impact on Survivor Benefits
  5. Failing to Audit Your Earnings Record
  6. Miscalculating the Tax on Your Benefits
  7. Overlooking Medicare Premium Surcharges (IRMAA)
  8. Being Blindsided by the Windfall Elimination Provision
  9. Assuming You Must Stop Working Entirely
  10. Leaving Divorced Spouse Benefits Unclaimed
  11. At a Glance: Claiming Age Comparison
  12. When to Consult a Professional
  13. What Can Go Wrong
  14. Frequently Asked Questions
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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