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    When to Take Social Security

    62, 67, or 70? The choice can mean tens of thousands.

    The numbers, simplified

    If your "Full Retirement Age" benefit is $2,000/month:

    • Take at 62: ~$1,400/month (30% reduction, FOREVER).
    • Take at FRA (66-67): $2,000/month.
    • Take at 70: $2,480/month (24% bonus, FOREVER).

    Difference between 62 and 70: $1,080/month, every month, for life. That\'s real money.

    When it makes sense to take EARLY (62)

    • Serious health issues; family history of short life expectancy.
    • You really need the money to eat.
    • You\'ve stopped working AND have no other income.
    • You\'re the lower-earning spouse and your higher-earning spouse will keep delaying.

    When it makes sense to DELAY (67-70)

    • Good health, family longevity.
    • You can live on other savings until 70.
    • You\'re still working (and would lose benefits to the earnings test before FRA anyway).
    • You\'re the higher-earning spouse — the larger benefit becomes the survivor benefit.
    • You want a guaranteed inflation-adjusted income.

    "Break-even" math

    If you take at 62 vs 70: in dollars-out, you break even around age 80-82. Live past that — delaying wins. Live shorter — taking early wins. Average US 65-year-old today lives to 84.

    Spousal & survivor benefits — important

    • Lower-earning spouse can claim up to 50% of higher-earner\'s FRA benefit.
    • If higher earner dies, the survivor gets to keep the larger of the two benefits. So delaying the higher earner\'s claim BOOSTS the survivor benefit too.
    • Divorced — if married 10+ years, can claim on ex-spouse\'s record (without affecting them).
    • Widows/widowers — can take survivor benefits as early as 60, then switch to your own at 70.

    Free tools

    • SSA.gov "my Social Security" — your actual estimated benefit at every age. Free account.
    • SSA.tools — visualize claim timing decisions.
    • OpenSocialSecurity.com — free, math-based optimizer for couples.
    • AARP Social Security calculator — easy to use.
    • Maximize My Social Security ($40 once) — the most thorough paid optimizer.

    How to apply

    1. Apply 3 months before you want benefits to start.
    2. Online: ssa.gov/applyforbenefits. 30 minutes.
    3. Or call 1-800-772-1213 for a phone appointment.
    4. Or visit a local SSA office (long lines but personal).

    For most healthy couples

    Higher earner delays to 70. Lower earner can take at 67. This usually maximizes both lifetime income and survivor benefits. But it depends on your specific numbers — run them through OpenSocialSecurity.com or a fee-only fiduciary advisor before deciding.