When Should I Start Taking Social Security?

You can start collecting Social Security as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The longer you wait, the larger your monthly check — for life.

Claiming at 62 permanently reduces your benefit by about 25–30% compared to your full retirement age. Waiting until 70 increases your benefit by roughly 8% per year past full retirement age — a guaranteed return that's hard to beat anywhere else.

The right answer depends on your health, your other income sources, your spouse's situation, and whether you're still working. Claiming early while working can also temporarily reduce your benefit due to the earnings test.

For married couples, coordinating claiming strategies can add tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits. We'll run the numbers with you so you're making this decision with real data — not a guess.