Many Retirees Not Taking Advantage of Delaying Social Security

Despite the fact that it can lower their Social Security benefits by as much as 30%, collecting Social Security before their full retirement age is the plan for more than four in 10 Americans age 50 or older, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found.

For those born between 1943 and 1954, full benefits begin at age 65 or 66, but the average American plans to begin collecting benefits at age 64. If they were to wait, benefits rise 8% every year up to age 70, when benefits max out, yet only 9% plan to begin collecting Social Security at age 70.

For people age 50 or older, Social Security will be their primary source of income in retirement, with 86% saying they will have Social Security income. More than half have a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), or an individual retirement account (IRA).

The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that the average retirement age for men is 64 and for women, 62, a report about the poll noted.

The poll also asked people with incomes less than $50,000 if they feel more anxious than secure about the amount of retirement savings they have, and 58% said they feel more anxious. For those with income of $100,000 or more, 40% are worried. The poll also found that 25% of workers older than 50 never plan to retire.

The AP-NORC survey was conducted in March.