Waiting to claim a larger Social Security benefit may require that someone draw on an investment portfolio to meet lifestyle expenses until Social Security benefits are received. What rate of return would be high enough to make taking Social Security early at a reduced amount result in greater total lifetime value? This chart shows the Social Security claiming age that provides the greatest value based on a consistent rate of return net of fees (y axis) and expected longevity (x axis). Generally, the longer the life expectancy and the lower the expected return, the more it pays to wait to claim the benefit. For example, for a consistent return of 5% or less after fees, and expected longevity of age 86 or later, consider waiting to age 70 to claim if that is financially possible.