Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement money decisions you'll make. Compare claiming at 62, 65, 67, and 70 side-by-side — see your monthly benefit, total lifetime income, and the breakeven age where waiting pays off.
It depends on your health, other income, and whether you're married. Claiming at 62 gives smaller checks for longer; waiting to 70 gives the largest possible check. This calculator shows the breakeven age so you can see when waiting pays off for your situation.
Each year you delay past full retirement age adds 8% in Delayed Retirement Credits, up to age 70. Combined with earlier reductions, claiming at 70 instead of 62 can mean a 70%+ larger monthly check.
Yes. The calculator models spousal benefits using SSA's official spousal reduction schedule so couples can coordinate their claiming ages.