When should I claim Social Security benefits?
David TalleyUpdated December 18, 2025
Quick Answer
For most people, delaying Social Security until age 70 provides the highest lifetime benefit—your benefit grows roughly 8% per year from full retirement age to 70. However, claiming earlier makes sense if you have health concerns, need the income, or have a lower-earning spouse who can claim spousal benefits while you delay.
Social Security timing is one of the highest-stakes decisions in retirement planning. Let me help you think through it.
The basics:
- Earliest claim: Age 62 (reduced benefit—about 30% less than full retirement age)
- Full Retirement Age: 66-67 depending on birth year
- Maximum benefit: Age 70 (increased about 8% per year from FRA)
The math:
If your full retirement benefit is $2,500/month:
- At 62: ~$1,750/month
- At 67: $2,500/month
- At 70: ~$3,100/month
When delaying makes sense:
- You're in good health and expect to live into your 80s or beyond
- You can afford to wait (other savings, spouse still working)
- You want to maximize survivor benefits for your spouse
- You're still working and would face the earnings test
When claiming early makes sense:
- Health concerns that may limit lifespan
- You need the income and don't have other sources
- You're the lower-earning spouse in a strategic claiming plan
- You've been laid off and need bridge income
The spousal strategy:
For married couples, coordination matters. Sometimes one spouse claims early while the other delays to maximize survivor benefits. This requires careful planning based on both benefit amounts and ages.
The bottom line:
There's no universally right answer. The best strategy depends on your health, other income sources, and marital situation. This is one area where getting it right matters—the difference between optimal and suboptimal claiming can be $100,000+ over a lifetime.
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