Americans’ Social Security benefits will be slashed in 2035 if lawmakers don’t act to address the pending shortfall, according to an annual report released Monday by the Social Security trustees. That’s one year later than previously forecast.

Claiming Social Security early gives you more checks, but each one is smaller. This move costs most people thousands of dollars over their lifetimes. However, there are some who make out better by claiming early.

You can collect Social Security even if you never worked. Read on for ways to snag the largest spousal benefit payday possible.

My wife is 76, born in 1948. She retired at full retirement age and currently collects $1,076 per month. I will be retiring and start collecting at 70 this year (I was born in 1954). When I collect $4,