Retirement & Taxes · Social Security
When should you claim Social Security?
You can start Social Security as early as age 62, wait until your full retirement age, or delay until age 70. The longer you wait, up to age 70, the larger your monthly benefit becomes. The right claiming age depends on your health, ongoing work income, other revenue sources, and spousal or survivor considerations, making it a highly personal calculation.
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Retirement & Taxes · Social Security
When should you claim Social Security?
You can start Social Security as early as age 62, wait until your full retirement age, or delay until age 70. The longer you wait, up to age 70, the larger your monthly benefit becomes. The right claiming age depends on your health, ongoing work income, other revenue sources, and spousal or survivor considerations, making it a highly personal calculation.
How claiming age changes your check
Starting before your full retirement age generally reduces your monthly benefit permanently. Claiming at full retirement age gives you the unreduced amount. And each year you wait beyond that, up to age 70, your monthly benefit generally grows. After 70 there's no further increase for waiting.
What to weigh
People usually look at a few things together: their health and family longevity, whether they're still working, what other income they have coming in, and the rough break-even math between a smaller check for longer and a larger check that starts later. None of those points the same direction for everyone.
How the answer fits into a full paycheck plan is covered on retirement income planning, and the tax side on tax planning in retirement.
Spousal and survivor benefits
A spouse may be able to claim based on the other spouse's record, and a surviving spouse may receive up to the higher of the two benefits. Consequently, one person's claiming decision directly affects what a surviving spouse receives later, an impact that many couples frequently overlook.
General education, not advice
This is general education. For your specific situation, our team can point you to the right licensed professional. Social Security rules are detailed and subject to change, so be sure to confirm the exact specifics for your own earnings record.
Common Questions
Questions we hear most
What's the earliest I can claim Social Security?
Age 62 for retirement benefits. Claiming that early permanently reduces your monthly amount compared with waiting until full retirement age.
Does waiting to claim increase my benefit?
Yes. Your monthly benefit generally grows for each year you delay past full retirement age, up to age 70.
How do spousal and survivor benefits work?
A spouse may be able to claim based on the other spouse's record, and a surviving spouse may receive up to the higher benefit. Because the rules are detailed, our team can walk you through your specific situation.
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