Confused about when to claim Social Security? You’re not alone. Over 70% of people get this decision wrong and leave thousands on the table every year. This simple, no-fluff guide compares claiming at 62, 67 (Full Retirement Age), and 70 using 2025–2026 rules and real dollar examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly which age fits your health, money, and lifestyle — plus a bonus calculator table to plug in your own numbers.
(Word count: 768)
The 3 Big Claiming Ages Explained (2025–2026 Rules)
| Claiming Age | What You Get Monthly | Permanent? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 70–75% of full benefit | Yes, forever | Need money now, shorter life expectancy, or poor health |
| 67 (FRA) | 100% of your full benefit | Yes | Average health & life expectancy, want balance |
| 70 | 124–132% of full benefit | Yes, forever | Good health, longer family history, or have other savings |
Important 2026 Update: If born 1960 or later, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is exactly 67. Early claim = 30% cut. Delay to 70 = 24% bonus (8% per year past 67).
Real Money Comparison – Same Person, 3 Different Ages
Let’s use the average 2025 benefit as an example.
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit at 67 = $2,000/month (realistic for many workers)
| Claim At | Monthly Check | Yearly Income | Total by Age 85 | Total if You Live to 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 62 | $1,400 | $16,800 | $386,400 | $470,400 |
| Age 67 | $2,000 | $24,000 | $432,000 | $552,000 |
| Age 70 | $2,480 | $29,760 | $446,400 | $595,200 |
Winner by lifespan:
- Die before ~80 → Claiming at 62 wins
- Live past 82 → Claiming at 70 wins big
- Live to 90+ → Delaying to 70 pays $125,000+ extra
Pros & Cons Table – Quick Decision Helper
| Age | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | Immediate cash, enjoy early retirement, beats zero if you die young | 25–30% permanent cut, harder COLA growth, may run out later |
| 67 | Full benefit, no penalty, no bonus, simple middle path | Misses big delayed credits if you live long |
| 70 | Highest monthly check, best inflation protection, spousal/survivor boost | No money for 8 years, risk dying before breakeven (~82) |
Who Should Claim at Each Age? (Honest Advice)
Claim at 62 if:
- Health or family history suggests shorter life
- You have little/no other savings
- Still working? (Earnings test takes $1 for every $2 over $23,400 in 2025–$24,480 in 2026)
- Want to travel or help family early
Claim at 67 if:
- Average health (live to mid-80s)
- Have decent 401(k)/IRA to bridge the gap
- Want predictable income without big cuts or delays
Claim at 70 if:
- Excellent health or long-lived parents/grandparents
- Already have pension, rental income, or big savings
- Married? (Higher benefit helps surviving spouse)
- Want maximum lifetime + inflation-proof income
Special 2025–2026 Boosts That Change the Math
| Factor | 2025 | 2026 | How It Helps Delayers |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLA | 2.5% | 2.8% | Bigger checks get bigger increases every year |
| Earnings Limit (under FRA) | $23,400 | $24,480 | Work longer without losing benefits |
| Max Taxable Wages | $176,100 | $184,500 | Higher earners build larger base benefits |
| Medicare Part B | ~$185 | ~$206 | Delayers often avoid IRMAA surcharges |
Quick “When Should I Claim?” Calculator (Copy & Use!)
Your FRA benefit at 67 = $____ per month
| Claim Age | Your Monthly | Total by 85 | Total by 90 | My Choice? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | × 0.70 = $____ | × 276 months = $____ | × 336 = $____ | ☐ |
| 67 | × 1.00 = $____ | × 216 months = $____ | × 276 = $____ | ☐ |
| 70 | × 1.24 = $____ | × 180 months = $____ | × 240 = $____ | ☐ |
(Just multiply and compare!)
Final Answer: There Is NO One “Best” Age — Only the Best Age for YOU
- Broke or sick? → Take at 62
- Average health & savings? → 67 is safe
- Healthy, married, or want max security? → Wait till 70
Run your exact numbers free at ssa.gov/myaccount — takes 5 minutes and shows your real benefit at every age.
Claiming Social Security is the biggest financial decision most people make. Do it wrong = tens or even hundreds of thousands lost forever. Do it right = worry-free golden years.
Which age are you leaning toward? Drop a comment and I’ll help you double-check!