Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Margaret's ability to suspend her benefit payments and later resume them at an increased rate highlights a significant feature of Social Security benefits. When someone begins collecting Social Security benefits early, they can choose to suspend those benefits at any time up until their full retirement age. By suspending her benefits, Margaret essentially allows her benefit amount to grow, as delaying benefits past the full retirement age results in an increase, often around 8% for each year she delays up to age 70.

This option serves both a corrective measure for her early collection and a strategic advantage for her long-term financial planning. It allows her to gain a higher monthly benefit amount later when she resumes collection, providing more financial support during her retirement years.

The other options do not accurately reflect the rules governing Social Security benefits. Option A implies that she has no choice but to continue collecting, which is not true; individuals can adjust their collection based on their situation. The second option implies that she can pay back all benefits received, which, while possible under specific circumstances, is not the only choice she has and typically involves certain restrictions. Lastly, the notion that she can only switch to spousal benefits overlooks the possibility of suspending her own benefits and strategically choosing when to receive them. Therefore