How Financial Advisers and Defined Contribution Plan Providers Educate Clients and Participants about Social Security

American workers have demonstrated relatively low levels of knowledge of how Social Security works. Most claim benefits at age 62, far earlier than many experts believe is optimal. Early claiming has a particularly negative impact on women. A significant proportion of workers use professional financial advisors and most workers participate in a defined contribution plan. Through a survey and in-depth interviews information was collected on how advisors and plan providers counsel clients and participants on Social Security. The results indicate steps that could increase the effectiveness of these channels to provide effective education and advice on Social Security and claiming.