Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Social Security is likely your largest retirement asset as a woman. In fact, women represent a large percentage of retirees on Social Security benefits: 55.3% of beneficiaries 62 and older are women. In general, though, their benefits are about 20% less than the benefits men receive.¹ 

On top of that, women generally live longer than men. Women who reached age 65 in 2019 were expected to live 21.5 years longer, while men who reached age 65 were only expected to live 18.9 years longer.²

Due to marriage and caretaking, women often spend less time in the workforce than men or have lower-paying jobs. The combination of women’s longevity and lower long-term earnings mean that women have special considerations when it comes to retirement planning with Social Security.

This class will address some of the specific challenges women face when it comes to Social Security. You’ll learn:

• How Social Security works, including how Social Security benefits are calculated and when you can elect to receive benefits.

• Scenarios women may encounter when claiming Social Security, including how being single, married or divorced impacts your Social Security benefits.

• How Social Security works for public sector employees, including teachers.

• How Social Security benefits are taxed and what to expect.

SOURCES

1. “Social Security Is Important to Women.” Social Security Administration, January 2021. https://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/women-alt.pdf. Accessed 16 December 2025.

2. Ilbd.