When Should I Claim Social Security?

Social Security can have big impacts on your retirement.

However, knowing when to draw your benefits isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Should you claim at 62 and take the reduced benefit? Wait until full retirement age at 67? Or delay until 70 for a maximum payout? Your decision depends on unique factors like your health, your spouse’s earnings, your tax bracket, and your past and current income. Making the wrong choice could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement. This guide lists how Social Security is impacted by retirement age, and lays out factors that can help you determine whether claiming earlier or later makes the most sense for you.

Common Social Security Claiming Questions We Answer:

• What determines my Social Security amount?
• What happens if I claim Social Security early at 62?
• How much more Social Security will I get at 70?
• Should I claim Social Security while still working?
• Where can I get an estimate of my Social Security benefit?

What’s Inside This Guide:

This free downloadable guide breaks down multiple factors so you can maximize your lifetime benefits:

• Age-based benefit adjustments – See how your $2,000 full benefit changes from 70% at age 62 to 124% at age 70
• Reasons to claim earlier – See examples when cash flow needs or family strategies make early claiming a smart option
• Reasons to claim later – See examples of reasons like financial independence or being the higher earning spouse that make claiming early an option
• Additional claiming information – Learn in depth how more factors impact your timeline to claim Social Security

Download this guide today and make an informed claiming decision that can shape your great big beautiful tomorrow.

Ready to dive deeper? Read Money Guy’s Ultimate Guide to Retirement and explore The Money Guy Guide to Retirement for our 9 insights to own your great big beautiful tomorrow with confidence.