← Guides · November 9, 2026
Claim Social Security at 62 or Wait Until 70?
With a $2,400 benefit at 67, the choice looks like this:
| Claim at | Monthly | % of full |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | $1,680 | 70% |
| 67 | $2,400 | 100% |
| 70 | $2,976 | 124% |
Claiming at 62 gives you five more years of checks, but each is 44% smaller than waiting to 70 gives. With a 2.5% yearly increase, waiting until 67 passes the 62 strategy around age 78-79, and 70 passes 67 around 80-81.
How to use this
- Poor health or immediate need can justify claiming early.
- Good health and other income favor waiting.
- Married couples should think about the survivor benefit too.
See your own break-even in the calculator.