Letter to the Editor
Milt Zall summarized the choices well about making the right choice in Social Security retirement dates ["When should you take Social Security benefits?" FCW.com, March 16, 2001].
I work for SSA, and for years claims representatives have been explaining these choices and their effects to the public. The ultimate decision is a personal one.
At its Web site (www.ssa.gov), SSA has a number of "Retirement Planners" that can help someone determine what their benefits would be. It enables you to run through several different scenarios to see which choice might be the way to go.
In addition, the SSA site will allow someone over age 61 1/2 to file a retirement claim online.
John Gallahger
Social Security Administration