Social Security & Medicare Maximizer: When to Claim, Break-Even Age & IRMAA Planner (2026)

Social Security claiming calculator and Medicare planner for U.S. pre-retirees and married couples.

Find your break-even age, the best claiming ages for you and your spouse, and your 2026 Medicare IRMAA tier, all with your own numbers. The Social Security & Medicare Maximizer does all the math for you, step by step, with the C.L.A.I.M. Method:

C - Check your record

L - Look at the break-even

A - Align as a couple

I - Income & taxes

M - Medicare on time

WHAT'S INCLUDED (6 files)

• The Maximizer Playbook (33-page PDF): plain-English guide with 4 example households, build-alongs, a decision scorecard, a 30-day action plan, a quiz and a glossary

• The Maximizer Workbook (Excel + Google Sheets, 16 tabs): dashboard, claiming ages, break-even, 81-pair Couples Matrix, survivor planner, lifetime cash flow, earnings test, taxes on benefits, Medicare & IRMAA, bridge planner, filing checklist and 2026 key numbers

• The Interactive Planner (web page): the same math in any browser, on a computer, tablet or phone. Works offline.

• Worksheets & Filing Kit (14-page fillable PDF): 12 sheets to record your numbers, choose your ages, map your Medicare dates and prep an IRMAA appeal

• Letter Templates (Word): 6 ready letters, including the Form SSA-44 IRMAA appeal, earnings-record correction, withdrawal (SSA-521), voluntary suspension and an employer request for Form CMS-L564

• Quick-Start Guide (PDF): open everything and get your first answer in about 30 minutes

AFTER THIS KIT, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO

• See your check at every age from 62 to 70 and your personal break-even age

• Find the best claiming ages for you and your spouse out of all 81 pairs

• Know the survivor checks your spouse would keep for life

• See how much the earnings test will hold back if you keep working

• Estimate how much of your Social Security is taxable, and your "tax torpedo" rate

• Know your Medicare sign-up window, your 2026 IRMAA tier and how to appeal it

WHO IT'S FOR

• U.S. pre-retirees and couples, about ages 58–70, deciding when to claim

• Married couples who want to protect the surviving spouse

• People still working who want to claim before full retirement age

• New retirees facing Medicare and IRMAA for the first time

• Widowed and divorced spouses planning survivor or ex-spouse benefits

UPDATED FOR 2026

2.8% COLA · $24,480 / $65,160 earnings test · $202.90 Part B · IRMAA from $109,000 single / $218,000 married · $2,100 Part D cap · $6,000 senior deduction (2025–2028)

WORKS WITH

Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (free), any web browser and any PDF reader. The letters open in Word, Google Docs or Pages. No subscription, no sign-up.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Download your 6 files.

2. Type your numbers from your free Social Security statement (ssa.gov/myaccount) into the Workbook or Planner.

3. Follow the C.L.A.I.M. steps in the Playbook and record your decision on the worksheets.

PLEASE NOTE

• This is a digital download. Nothing will be shipped.

• For education only. Not financial, tax, legal or Medicare advice. Stackwise is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, CMS or Medicare. Your official benefit comes from SSA.

• Estimates use 2026 rules and today's dollars.

• Personal-use license. Please don't share or resell.

• Because this is a digital download, all sales are final.