Core Insights - The article discusses strategies for maximizing Social Security benefits in retirement, highlighting that while some tips are beneficial, they may not be practical for middle-class Americans [1][2]. Group 1: Claiming Strategies - Waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security benefits results in a monthly check that is 124% of the standard benefits received at full retirement age (FRA) [3]. - A survey by Schroders indicates that only 10% of pre-retirees plan to wait until age 70 to claim their benefits, suggesting that many cannot afford to delay [4]. - Claiming benefits at FRA, which ranges from age 66 to 67 depending on birthdate, is recommended to receive the full benefit check, as claiming early (as early as age 62) results in reduced payments [5][6]. Group 2: Income Reliance - A significant portion of Americans, up to 39%, rely solely on Social Security income during retirement, while two-thirds of seniors depend on it for more than half of their income [7][8]. - Experts advise against relying entirely on Social Security, emphasizing the importance of separate retirement savings, although many individuals struggle to save due to financial constraints [7].