SS Retirement Backpay, Delayed Retirement Credits and the Survivors Benefits - Value Options

[GailL1]

Did you know that if you Retire up to 6-months past your FRA, that you can opt to get backpay for those few months that you are past your FRA.  OR you can opt to use these 6-months of delayed retirement credits (DRC) to add to your benefit but this bonus amount will not show up until the following January and then going forward.

Of course, if you wait until 70 to claim your Retirement benefits, then you get all of the DRC - in your retirement amount.

Any DRC you earn are not considered in anybody else’s retirement benefits but they are included in your Survivors benefits and thus leave your dependents better off dollar-wise.

So what was your choice when you decided to retire after your FRA?