Coordinating Social Security and Pension for Maximum Benefit

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Get Clear Answers About Your Benefits — All in One Place

Social Security and pension decisions have lifelong impact. Whether you’re an educator, public employee, or private-sector retiree, the timing and structure of your benefits can change your retirement income by thousands of dollars. We help you make confident, well-informed decisions that support your long-term goals.



For clients with URS pensions, PERA benefits, or mixed Social Security eligibility, we provide specialized guidance tailored to Utah retirees and public workers.

The Social Security Decision – Timing Is Everything

The age at which you claim Social Security can significantly affect your benefit. Claiming early (62) reduces your monthly income; delaying beyond your full retirement age earns valuable delayed credits.

Factors to Consider
  • Longevity expectations
  • Current and future income needs
  • Whether you’re still working (and subject to earnings limits)
  • Spousal and survivor benefit strategies
  • Interaction with pensions and retirement savings

A well-timed decision can protect your spouse, improve long-term income stability, and reduce future tax burdens.

Spousal & Survivor Benefits

We evaluate who should claim first, how to maximize survivor benefits, and when delaying for the higher earner makes sense — especially important for couples with uneven income histories.

Educator & Public Employee Note:

Most Utah public school teachers do pay into Social Security. Unlike states such as Texas or California, where large groups of educators do not participate, Utah school districts have broadly opted into Social Security coverage. As a result, Utah educators contribute to both Social Security and the Utah Retirement Systems (URS) pension.

Understand Your Pension Options Before You Lock In a Lifetime Decision

Pension decisions are often irreversible — and the right choice depends on your family, health, income needs, and long-term goals.

Lump Sum vs. Monthly Benefit

We show you how each option affects your income, taxes, and long-term security. For many retirees, monthly income provides stability. For others, a lump sum offers flexibility.

Single Life vs. Joint & Survivor Options

We help you evaluate survivor needs, spousal income differences, and longevity considerations — so you choose an option that protects both you and your spouse.

Maximizing Public Pensions (URS & PERA)

We guide you through:

  • Purchasing service credits
  • Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 URS considerations
  • Reviewing COLA features
  • Evaluating DROP-style options if applicable
  • Understanding how pension income interacts with your portfolio
WEP & GPO Considerations (Windfall Elimination Provision / Government Pension Offset)

If you earned a pension from non-covered employment (common for educators and some public employees), Social Security may reduce or offset your benefit. We explain how these rules apply and what to expect.

Coordinated, Data-Driven Decisions for Total Lifetime Income

We compare multiple scenarios — claiming at 62, 67, or 70 — and illustrate how each affects your lifetime income and survivor benefits.

Personalized Pension Analysis

We review your pension projection, evaluate survivor options, and determine whether a lump sum or annuity maximizes your long-term security.

Integration Example

A Utah teacher with a URS pension might delay Social Security from other employment or spousal eligibility until full retirement age to maximize lifetime benefits, while using pension + savings early on to bridge the gap. Our goal is to optimize total household income, not just one benefit in isolation.

Plan Your Benefits Strategy

Uncertain about when to claim Social Security or how to choose your pension payout? Our complimentary Benefits Optimization Review gives you confidence and clarity — before you make a permanent decision.

  • Should I take Social Security at 62, 67, or 70?

    It depends on longevity, income needs, spouse benefits, and your pension. We run custom projections to make this decision clear.

  • What is the Windfall Elimination Provision and does it affect me?

    WEP affects people who receive a pension from non-Social Security–covered work and also qualify for Social Security. We review your work history and pension details to determine if it applies.

  • My pension doesn’t have a COLA — how do I plan for inflation?

    We offset low-COLA or no-COLA pensions by incorporating growth investments and inflation-adjusted withdrawal strategies into your broader plan.

  • Can I draw a pension and Social Security at the same time?

    Yes — but there may be offsets depending on your work history. We analyze both benefits together to optimize lifetime income.