Understanding How a Registered Social Security Analyst Can Help You Get the Most Out of Your Benefits
If you’re nearing retirement—or even just thinking ahead—it’s natural to wonder how much Social Security you’ll receive and when you should start collecting it. You might assume the Social Security office will tell you everything you need to know. But the truth is, they’re not allowed to give personal advice. That’s where a Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®) can be a game-changer.
At The Balance Sheet, we’re proud to be Certified RSSAs®, which means we specialize in helping you make the best decisions when it comes to your Social Security benefits. So, what does that mean for you?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Registered Social Security Analyst®?
An RSSA® is a trained, certified professional who knows the Social Security system inside and out. Think of an RSSA as your personal guide through the confusing maze of rules, timelines, and calculations that affect how much money you’ll get during retirement. They don’t work for the government—they work for you.
With over 2,700 rules in the Social Security system, it’s easy to miss opportunities or make costly mistakes. An RSSA helps you avoid those mistakes and shows you how to maximize your monthly benefit.
Why Can’t I Just Use the Social Security Website?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) gives you general information and calculators, but they can’t provide personalized advice. You’ll get facts, but not strategy.
For example, did you know:
- Claiming benefits at age 62 could reduce your lifetime payout by tens of thousands of dollars?
- You might qualify for spousal benefits—even if you’re divorced?
- The right claiming strategy can change dramatically depending on whether you’re single, married, widowed, or have a government pension?
An RSSA looks at your entire financial picture—including pensions, income needs, taxes, and more—to recommend the strategy that gets you the most money over time.
What Does the Process Look Like?
When you work with an RSSA, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. You get a custom Social Security analysis based on your actual situation. Here’s how it typically works:
- Information Gathering: You provide your earnings record, marital status, retirement goals, and other financial info.
- Analysis: We run your data through professional-grade software that models different scenarios—what happens if you retire at 62, 66, 70, and so on.
- Strategy Session: You’ll get a clear report and we’ll walk you through the best claiming strategy to maximize your benefits.
- Support: Have follow-up questions? We’re here to guide you, not just drop a report and disappear.
How Can This Help Me Personally?
Great question. Here are just a few ways an RSSA can benefit you:
- Get more money over time. Many people leave thousands (sometimes over $100,000) on the table by claiming at the wrong time.
- Avoid costly mistakes. We help you steer clear of choices that could reduce or delay your payments.
- Understand your options. There’s more than one way to claim benefits. We help you compare.
- Coordinate with other income sources. Social Security might be just one piece of your retirement puzzle—we help fit it together with the rest of your finances. Because we are also tax experts, we can help plan for the most advantageous tax outcome during your retirement years.
- Prepare for life changes. If you’re divorced, widowed, or planning to remarry, your Social Security strategy may need to change.
Is This Only for People Near Retirement?
Not at all. The earlier you start planning, the more options you have. Even if retirement is 5–10 years away, it’s smart to talk to an RSSA now. That gives you time to adjust your savings plan, pay off debt, or explore different retirement ages.
If you’re already collecting benefits, an RSSA can help with:
- Reassessing your current strategy if your situation changes
- Exploring benefits for your spouse
- Planning survivor benefits
What If I’m Divorced or Widowed?
This is one of the areas where people miss out most. If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you may be eligible for spousal benefits based on your ex’s work record—without affecting their benefits. If your spouse passed away, you may qualify for survivor benefits that can significantly boost your income.
These rules are complex, but an RSSA knows how to navigate them for your specific case.
Can’t My Accountant or Financial Advisor Do This?
Maybe—but most don’t specialize in Social Security. Accountants and advisors are great for taxes and investments, but unless they’re also RSSA-certified, they likely don’t have the same level of training on Social Security’s fine print.
An RSSA works alongside your other financial professionals to give you the complete picture.
Ready to Make the Most of Your Benefits?
You’ve paid into Social Security your whole working life. Don’t you owe it to yourself to get back as much as possible?
If you’re wondering when to file, how much you’ll get, or whether you’re making the right decisions—we can help. At The Balance Sheet, we specialize in personal, data-driven Social Security planning through our Certified RSSA® services.
Let’s talk about your future.
Schedule your Social Security analysis with The Balance Sheet today and take the first step toward a more confident retirement.
