I did some math for my California pension (13 years) and it turns out that if I took it now (with survivor option) compared to waiting I get like $5K more over 20 years,
So I took it.
Since SS has always been zero in my planning (and I am shy of 60) I figured I will wait until 70 or if my health fades or something like that. Better to enjoy the money while alive then to enjoy it when dead. It really is a fall-back in case 1929 comes back around ( could probably weather 2008) or for fun money, depending on when I pull the trigger.
If you are 50 or under, just make it zero. You will have to work to 75 to see a penny.
IMHO.
I also add, if you are VERY young and in your first decade of work — SAVE NOW FOR RETIREMENT (and assume zero SS). If I would have done that I would be long retired instead of having to put in 3 or 4 more years.
I view Social Security much the same as you. I don’t plan on getting it at all, anything I get will be gravy.
I have zero doubt the government is going to employ means testing by the time I get there, and that isn’t that far off.
“Better to enjoy the money while alive then to enjoy it when dead.“
I heartily agree.
Since SS has always been zero in my planning
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I’ve always viewed it as a financial supplement, not security. The term “Social Security” is a misnomer in my opinion, as evidenced by the average check for 2018 of just $1,404 per month.
I get SS but never planned to depend on it.