SETARA: The Social Security Secret That Could Mean Thousands More in Retirement
When it comes to Social Security, most people think the only choice they have is when to file—62, full retirement age, or 70. But there’s a smarter, more strategic way to make that decision, and it can mean thousands of dollars more in your lifetime benefits.
The problem? The Social Security Administration won’t tell you what that strategy is.
That’s where SETARA comes in.
The Problem
Social Security rules are complicated—over 2,700 of them, to be exact. Filing too early, too late, or in the wrong order with a spouse can cost you money you’ll never get back.
The Villain
Government lingo, complex eligibility rules, and a “one-size-fits-all” mindset often push people to make quick decisions without understanding the long-term consequences. The SSA’s job is to process your claim—not to help you get the highest possible benefit.
The Guide
At Mere Benefits, we’re trained in SETARA strategies, which stands for Spousal, Early, Timing, and Retirement Age analysis. This isn’t a cookie-cutter calculation—it’s a personalized analysis that factors in:
Your age, income history, and marital status
Spousal and survivor benefits
Health and life expectancy
Your other retirement income sources
Medicare and IRMAA considerations
The Plan
Review Your Current Situation – We gather the facts: earnings history, expected retirement date, and household income needs.
Run the SETARA Analysis – Using specialized tools, we compare multiple filing strategies side-by-side.
Show the Lifetime Impact – You’ll see how different filing ages change your monthly benefit and your total lifetime payout.
The Payoff
When you file with a SETARA strategy:
You may boost your monthly benefit for life
You can better coordinate with Medicare and health insurance
You reduce the risk of triggering unnecessary Medicare surcharges (IRMAA)
You retire with confidence, knowing you didn’t leave money on the table
What Happens If You Don’t Plan?
You could lose thousands of dollars you can’t get back
You may trigger higher Medicare costs
Your spouse could receive a reduced survivor benefit
Take Action Now
Whether you’re a few months or a few years away from retirement, it’s the perfect time to make a plan. At Mere Benefits, we help you use Social Security to your advantage, so you can enjoy more of what you’ve worked for.
📞 Call our office today at 904-654-5450 or visit www.merebenefits.com to schedule your Social Security Optimization Appointment.
