{"id":353895,"date":"2017-01-25T14:42:19","date_gmt":"2017-01-25T19:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/when-should-you-start-claiming-social-security-benefits.html"},"modified":"2026-03-12T14:35:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T19:35:33","slug":"when-should-you-start-claiming-social-security-benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/when-should-you-start-claiming-social-security-benefits.html","title":{"rendered":"When To Claim Social Security Benefits in Retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When To Claim Social Security Benefits in Retirement<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Planning for life as a retiree<\/span> involves more than simply saving enough money to get by. It\u2019s also about maximizing your retirement income<\/span>, including your monthly benefits<\/span> from Social Security. But delayed retirement is not for everyone. Find out how to decide when to retire and collect <\/span>Social Security benefits<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Social Security can provide a stable source of income<\/span> in retirement. Yet, figuring out when you should start claiming benefits<\/span> is a tough decision. Your timing can affect your benefit amount<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Age 62 is the earliest you can begin taking Social Security <\/span>retirement benefits<\/span>. But you don\u2019t have to start your benefits that soon. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly payments<\/span> will be. The downside is that you may have to work longer or use other resources to cover your living expenses in the meantime.<\/p>\n

Once you start receiving benefits, you can\u2019t undo that decision. That\u2019s why you should consider many factors before applying for your Social Security payments<\/span>. This article explains these factors, but you can also get strategic advice from a retirement planning<\/span> lawyer<\/a>. An attorney can evaluate your individual circumstances to help you navigate this phase of life.<\/p>\n

Three Options: Early, Full, and Late Retirement<\/h2>\n

Under the Social Security laws<\/a>, you can begin to receive your retirement payments based on your age as follows:<\/p>\n