The short answer
Delaying Social Security until 70 increases your monthly benefit substantially, but it leaves an income gap in the years before you claim. One strategy is to use a period-certain annuity that pays income only during those bridge years to cover expenses until the larger Social Security benefit begins. This lets you capture the higher lifetime benefit from delaying while maintaining income in the meantime. Whether it makes sense depends on your resources, health, and overall plan. This is educational information, not a recommendation.
So a bridge annuity can provide income during the years you delay Social Security, helping you reach the larger benefit at 70.
How the bridge works
You purchase an annuity that pays income for a set number of years matching the gap until you claim Social Security, for example from retirement until 70. The annuity covers your expenses during that window, and once the higher Social Security benefit starts, that guaranteed government income takes over. The benefit of delaying is a permanently higher, inflation-adjusted Social Security payment. Our guide to when to claim Social Security covers the delay decision.
The idea is to fund the delay years with a defined-period annuity so the enlarged Social Security benefit can carry the rest of retirement.
What to weigh
Consider whether delaying Social Security fits your health and longevity expectations, whether other savings could bridge the gap more simply, and the annuity's cost and terms. Delaying is not right for everyone, and there are other ways to fund the bridge. Because coordinating Social Security timing, annuities, and taxes is complex, review the plan with a licensed professional. Our annuities overview covers the products.
The takeaway: a period-certain bridge annuity can fund the years you delay Social Security to 70, but weigh it against other options and your health with professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can an annuity bridge income to Social Security?
A period-certain annuity pays income only during the years you delay claiming, covering expenses until a larger Social Security benefit begins at 70, letting you capture the higher lifetime benefit.
Why delay Social Security to 70?
Delaying increases your monthly benefit substantially and permanently, with inflation adjustments, but you need income to cover the gap years before you claim.
Is a bridge annuity the best way to delay Social Security?
Not always. Other savings could bridge the gap more simply, and delaying is not right for everyone. Review the options, costs, and your health with a licensed professional.
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