Social Security
When Should You Claim Social Security?
The short answer
There’s no universal “best age.” Claiming earlier means smaller checks for life; waiting means larger ones. The right choice depends on your health, your income, your taxes, and — for couples — protecting the survivor.
The basic trade-off
You can generally start as early as 62, at full retirement age (66–67 for most), or as late as 70. Each year you delay past full retirement age can increase your benefit, up to age 70. Starting early can make sense for some; waiting can make sense for others.
For married couples especially
When one spouse passes away, the household keeps the larger of the two benefits. That’s why the higher earner’s claiming age can strongly affect the surviving spouse’s income for the rest of their life.
Have questions about your own situation? Tracy is glad to talk it through with you — clearly and without pressure.