John Sanders
Tulsa, OK 74104
Mr. Sanders has more than 30 years of military leadership and management experience. Additionally, he has over 18 years in the financial services industry. He has also worked as a federal employee within the Department of Homeland Security and authored two books, The Right Track and The Federal Employee Benefits Workbook.
Mr. Sanders is a Federal Retirement Counsultant for the year of 2025.
Schedule time to discuss your specific needs. To set a time on Mr. Sanders calendar, click HERE.
He currently serves as director of The Benefit Coordinators. He teaches and lectures on federal employee benefits and financial literacy. His current responsibilities include traveling extensively teaching both federal benefit managers, federal employees, Postal Service personnel, and active military members the concepts of basic financial responsibility and employee benefits. To date, his classes have educated over 15,000 government employees and military personnel. The attendance of these classes has helped attendees gain a greater understanding of their benefits.
The Benefit Coordinators parent organization, MyLife Services, is an educational vendor approved by the General Services Administration, and is designated as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business by the Veterans Administration.
Mr. Sanders has served in the United Stated Army. While in the Army he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Texas. He maintains multiple professional licenses domestically and abroad.
We offer a special short-term disability policy exclusively for Federal and Postal Service employees. To enroll, click HERE.
Schedule time to discuss your specific needs. To set a time on Mr. Sanders calendar, click HERE.
Best Age for Drawing Social Security: What You Must Know
Understanding Social Security Benefits
The age for drawing Social Security is a crucial decision for federal and postal employees planning for retirement. Social Security provides financial support based on your earnings and when you choose to claim benefits. Knowing how this integrates with your FERS annuity and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can help maximize your retirement income.
Age 62: The Earliest You Can Start
The age for drawing Social Security can begin as early as 62, but this comes with a permanent reduction in your monthly payment. If your full retirement age is 67, claiming at 62 reduces your benefit amount by about 30%. Despite this, some choose early benefits due to financial need or health concerns.
Full Retirement Age and Benefits
Your full retirement age (FRA) is when you qualify for full Social Security benefits. It depends on your birth year:
- Born 1955: 66 years, 2 months
- Born 1956: 66 years, 4 months
- Born 1957: 66 years, 6 months
- Born 1958: 66 years, 8 months
- Born 1959: 66 years, 10 months
- Born 1960 or later: 67 years (normal retirement age)
Delaying past your FRA increases your monthly payment by 8% per year until age 70.
Retirement Age Chart: When Should You Claim?
A retirement age chart helps visualize how much your benefit amount changes based on when you claim. For example, waiting until age 70 maximizes monthly benefits, while starting at age 62 results in lower payments for life.
Social Security Benefits and Work
If you claim benefits before your FRA and continue working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced. In 2025, the earnings limit is $19,560; exceeding this reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 earned over the limit. Once you reach FRA, earnings no longer affect your Social Security payments.
Spouse and Spousal Benefit Options
Your claiming strategy impacts spousal benefits. A spouse can receive up to 50% of your benefit at full retirement age. If one spouse delays claiming, it can increase the total household benefit. Widows and widowers may also receive survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse’s work record.
Medicare and Social Security
Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, regardless of when you start Social Security. If you delay Social Security past 65, you must enroll in Medicare separately to avoid penalties. Social Security automatically enrolls you in Medicare Part A when you start benefits if you are 65 or older.
How to Use the Benefits Planner
The Social Security Benefits Planner helps estimate payments based on your earnings history and claiming age. You can access it on SSA.gov to see how different choices impact your future income.
Integrating FERS, TSP, and Social Security
Federal employees should coordinate their FERS annuity, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and Social Security benefits for a well-rounded retirement plan. Withdrawing from your TSP while delaying Social Security can provide income while your monthly Social Security benefit grows.
The Impact of the Social Security Fairness Act
The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) in 2025 means many federal retirees will receive higher Social Security benefits. This change benefits former CSRS employees and those with government pensions previously affected by these provisions.
Retirement Credits and Delayed Benefits
Each year you delay benefits past FRA earns retirement credits, boosting your monthly payment. This increase stops at age 70, meaning there’s no advantage in waiting beyond that.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing when to claim Social Security depends on your financial needs, health, and employment status. Consider these steps:
- Use the SSA Benefits Planner to compare your options.
- Factor in spousal benefits to maximize household income.
- Consider how Medicare enrollment affects your decision.
- Talk to a federal benefits specialist for personalized advice.
Final Thoughts
Federal and postal employees must consider multiple factors when deciding on Social Security benefits. By reviewing your benefits planner, understanding the retirement age chart, and considering spousal benefits, you can make an informed choice that supports long-term financial security.
Your Next Steps
For expert guidance on federal retirement planning, contact The Benefit Coordinators today. Our team helps you optimize your FERS, TSP, and Social Security strategy for a secure future.