Should you file for retirement benefits as soon as you turn 62? Or should you wait? Should you collect Social Security benefits and stay employed? How will that Social Security income affect your tax picture? These are all questions you should attempt to answer before you file your application.

It could, because Social Security benefits are occasionally taxable. This comes as a surprise to many retirees, but it happens in certain circumstances.

Learn who can receive survivor benefits, when they can claim their benefit and what amount they will receive. This section covers widows, divorced widows, children and parents of deceased Social Security recipients.

Do you earn more than your husband or wife does? If so, your claiming decision will have a huge influence on your spouse’s future Social Security income. The survivor benefits, to which your spouse will be entitled, to will be based not only on your work record, but also on how early or late you file for benefits. Your spouse’s ability to claim spousal benefits while you are alive will also depend on when you decide to file.