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What Is a Registered Social Security Analyst? 

A Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®) is a credentialed professional trained specifically in the rules, strategies, and nuances of Social Security. Unlike a general financial advisor, an RSSA has completed a rigorous eLearning program through the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA), passed a proctored national exam, and is required to maintain ongoing education in Social Security law and planning.

That means when you sit down with Casey, you're getting a dedicated expert who has studied the system in depth and knows how to find opportunities most people miss entirely.

Casey

Meet Casey Conley, RSSA® 

Casey Conley is a Registered Social Security Analyst® and part of the Keenly team. She earned her RSSA designation so she could be a more complete resource for her clients and help with the full picture of their financial wellbeing.

Driven by helping people save money and plan for their future, Casey has a gift for connecting with people and breaking down complex topics into something that makes sense. Whether you're five years out from retirement or closer than you'd like to admit, she'll help you understand your options and walk away with a clear plan.

Why does this matter so much?  

People can assume that claiming Social Security is straightforward. You turn 62 (or 65, or 67) and you sign up. But the timing and strategy behind how you claim can have a dramatic impact on how much you receive, both month to month and over your lifetime.

Claiming at 62 (the earliest option) can permanently reduce your monthly benefit by up to 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age.

Delaying until 70 can increase your monthly benefit by 24–32% beyond your full retirement age amount, a difference that compounds every single month for the rest of your life.

For married couples, coordinating when each spouse claims can mean tens of thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of additional dollars in lifetime benefits. The lifetime benefit for a couple can easily reach $1–$2 million.

96% of Americans don't optimize their Social Security, and the average household leaves $111,000 on the table as a result.

Employee Navigator Training - Design Elements 2025 (15)

The Social Security Administration has over 2,700 rules governing benefits, and SSA representatives are prohibited from giving you personal claiming advice. There are few other reliable resources. That's why you should meet with an RSSA.

Social Security is likely one of the largest assets you'll ever have, and the claiming decision is largely permanent. There are no do-overs. The right answer looks different for everyone; your health, work history, spouse's situation, other retirement income, and goals all factor in.

Social Security is more than a retirement check 

Many people think of Social Security as something you collect when you retire. Actually, it’s a guaranteed, lifetime benefit with annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and it covers far more situations than most people realize.

Social Security provides benefits for people who are:

  • Married: spousal benefits of up to 50% of your partner's benefit
  • Divorced: you may qualify based on an ex-spouse's record after 10+ years of marriage
  • Widowed: survivor benefits can be a critical source of ongoing income
  • Single: maximizing your own benefit with the right claiming age is essential
  • Self-Employed — strategic options exist to reduce payroll taxes while protecting your benefit
  • Disabled — SSDI and disability-related benefits are often misunderstood and underutilized
  • Parents of dependent or disabled children — children may qualify for benefits based on a parent's record

 For most Americans, Social Security is the foundation of retirement income. Getting the strategy right matters.

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What the analysis includes

Here's what an analysis looks like in practice:

Personalized benefit analysis:

Casey reviews your Social Security earnings record to project your benefit amounts at various claiming ages.

Break-even analysis:

You'll see how long it takes different claiming strategies to "break even," and which approach maximizes your lifetime payout based on your specific situation.

Spousal and survivor benefit planning:

For couples, Casey reviews both records and models to develop a coordinated strategy that maximizes combined lifetime income. This is often where the biggest opportunity lies.

Medicare coordination:

Casey will make sure your Social Security claiming strategy aligns with your Medicare enrollment to avoid costly surprises.

Claiming guidance:

When you're ready to file, Casey can walk you through exactly how and where to do it so the process is smooth and stress-free.

Scenario breakdown:

You'll also receive a comprehensive, easy-to-follow report showing exactly what you'd receive under different filing scenarios. The full process typically takes one to two weeks.

Seeing it in action: A real example

Here's a simplified example of a claiming strategy.

Paul and Alice, both age 62, with a Full Retirement Age of 67:

  • Paul's projected benefit (PIA): $3,000/month
  • Alice's projected benefit (PIA): $1,000/month

Strategy

Paul

Alice

Combined Monthly

Both claim at 62

$2,100

$975

$3,075

Both claim at Full Retirement Age (67)

$3,000

$1,500

$4,500

Maximized strategy (Paul at 70, Alice at FRA)

$3,720

$1,500

$5,220

That's a difference of more than $2,100 per month, or over $25,000 per year, between the least- and most-optimized strategies. Over a 20-year retirement, that adds up fast.

Every situation is different, but this is the kind of analysis Casey runs for her clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Security analysis cost?

Fees depend on the complexity of your situation; for example, whether you're single or part of a couple, whether you have a pension from non-covered employment, or other factors. Casey will discuss fees with you up front before you commit to anything.

When should I start thinking about this?

Ideally, several years before you plan to retire, but it's never too late. Even if you're close to filing age or have already started collecting, a conversation with Casey can help you understand your options.

What information do I need to bring?

You'll need your Social Security earnings statement, which you can access for free at ssa.gov, along with some basic personal details. Casey will walk you through everything during your initial consultation.

Is my information secure?

Yes. An RSSA never needs your Social Security number. The analysis only requires your name, birthdate, and your past earnings history from your Social Security statement.

Does Casey work with couples?

Absolutely, and coordinating between spouses is often where the biggest opportunities are. Casey's analysis will look at both records and help you find the strategy that maximizes your combined lifetime income.

What about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)?

Social Security benefits include annual COLA increases, which means the impact of your claiming decision compounds over time. This is factored into Casey's analysis.

Can my children receive benefits?

In some cases, yes. Dependent children, including minor children, children still in high school up to age 19, and disabled adult children (if disabled before age 22), may qualify for benefits based on a parent's record. Casey can walk you through whether this applies to your family.

What if I've already filed?

Depending on your situation, there may still be options. Reach out to Casey. It's worth a conversation to see what's possible.

Is RSSA affiliated with the Social Security Administration?

No. NARSSA, the organization that credentials RSSAs, is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. An RSSA is an independent specialist trained to help you navigate the system.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. NARSSA has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. Please consult with a qualified advisor for guidance specific to your personal situation.