How do you feel about specific Social Security RETIREMENT benefits?

[GailL1]

Just a question to ponder and to get some feedback on specific benefits:

This is only for Social Security RETIREMENT benefits - not other type like Disability or Survivors.  

Should a person be able to retire early at the age of 62 or before FRA get a bonus auxiliary retirement benefit if and because they have dependent children?

[Winter2025VA]

@GailL1 , apologies for NOT getting your post and venturing out again to "ask" for clarification. As usual, NO pressure to respond and IF you do, please be "kind".

What is this bonus? EXTRA money? And why does it matter IF there are dependent children? Wouldn't this DRAIN what $$$ are in the system now = benefit reductions/eliminations?

YOU WROTE: a bonus auxiliary retirement benefit if and because they have dependent children?

Take care,

Nicole 👵

[GailL1]

Yes, “auxiliary” benefits are added money that one gets added to their Retirement benefit.  These auxiliary members get benefits under Survivors benefits because they are the survivors.  They also get some benefits under the Social Security Disability program (SSDI) because of the condition of the disability   But I am asking only about Retirement benefits here because the timing of getting Retirement benefits is a CHOICE of when to begin whereas the other programs (Survivors or Social Security Disability) is not a choice of when to take.

Did I explain it to your satisfaction?

[Winter2025VA]

Yes you did @GailL1 and NO opinion as when I retired at age 62 in 2020, I had NO dependent children. Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @GailL1 wrote 4/3/25:

Yes, “auxiliary” benefits are added money that one gets added to their Retirement benefit.  These auxiliary members get benefits under Survivors benefits because they are the survivors.  They also get some benefits under the Social Security Disability program (SSDI) because of the condition of the disability   But I am asking only about Retirement benefits here because the timing of getting Retirement benefits is a CHOICE of when to begin whereas the other programs (Survivors or Social Security Disability) is not a choice of when to take.

Did I explain it to your satisfaction? ***]

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