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When to Claim Social Security

How health, savings, work, and marriage should drive your claiming decision.

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Quick answer

When to claim Social Security depends on your health, savings, spouse, and work plans. Claiming at 62 gives smaller checks sooner; waiting until 70 grows your benefit about 8% per year past full retirement age. There is no single right answer, but delaying boosts both your check and your spouse's survivor benefit, per the Social Security Administration.

The claiming decision is one of retirement's biggest. Here is how to weigh the factors that matter most.

What factors decide when to claim?

The best claiming age balances several factors: your health and family longevity, whether you have other income to live on, if you are still working and subject to the earnings test, and your spouse's situation. Claiming at 62 makes sense if you need the income, have health concerns, or are out of work. Delaying to 70 rewards good health and adequate savings with a permanently larger, inflation-protected check. Because the higher earner's benefit also sets the survivor benefit, delaying often protects a surviving spouse. There is no universal answer, only the answer that fits your life.

How does claiming age change my check?

Claiming early at 62 reduces your benefit by up to 30% versus a full retirement age of 67. Claiming exactly at full retirement age gives you 100% of your earned benefit. Each year you wait beyond full retirement age, up to 70, adds about 8% in delayed retirement credits, roughly 24% more total. After 70 there is no further increase, so there is no reason to wait longer. Remember Medicare starts at 65, so if you delay Social Security you must enroll in Medicare separately to avoid penalties. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free help.

More on Social Security

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Frequently asked questions

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or wait?+

It depends. Claiming at 62 gives smaller checks for more years, which suits those in poor health or needing income. Waiting grows your benefit about 8% per year past full retirement age, rewarding good health, savings, and a desire to protect a spouse.

What is the best age to claim Social Security?+

There is no single best age. Many financially secure, healthy retirees benefit from delaying to 70 for the largest check and survivor benefit. Others claim at 62 or full retirement age based on health, finances, and work. Your situation decides.

Does claiming early affect my spouse's benefits?+

Yes. If you are the higher earner, claiming early permanently lowers the survivor benefit your spouse could receive after your death. Delaying your claim raises both your check and your spouse's future survivor benefit.

Do I have to claim Social Security to get Medicare?+

No. Medicare and Social Security are separate. You can enroll in Medicare at 65 while delaying Social Security, but you must sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid lifelong late penalties.

Who can help me decide when to claim?+

Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to have a licensed advocate help you weigh claiming age against your Medicare costs and household needs. The call is free with no obligation.

Talk to a licensed specialist — free.

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When to Claim Social Security 2026 | 1-800-MEDIGAP