Many people still misunderstand how the system works and why there isn't enough money to keep it strong for the immediate future.

Can a disabled person open a high-yield savings account? That depends on the type of Social Security benefits they receive. Learn more.

As part of its review of a recent proposal, the Social Security actuaries provided another contribution to the extensive body of evidence showing that life expectancy is positively related to income and that the gap between those at the top and the bottom of the income distribution has increased over time.

Key Points It can be advantageous to delay Social Security for larger payments for life. You don’t want to deplete your savings too quickly, either. Your decision should hinge on your total savings balance,