Social Security at 62 vs 67 vs 70: Ultimate 2025–2026 Guide – Which Age Wins for YOU? (Real Numbers Inside)

Confused about when to claim Social Security? You’re not alone. Over 70% of people get this decision wrong and leave thousands on the table every year. This simple, no-fluff guide compares claiming at 62, 67 (Full Retirement Age), and 70 using 2025–2026 rules and real dollar examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly which age fits your health, money, and lifestyle — plus a bonus calculator table to plug in your own numbers.

The 3 Big Claiming Ages Explained (2025–2026 Rules)

Claiming Age	What You Get Monthly	Permanent?	Best For
62	70–75% of full benefit	Yes, forever	Need money now, shorter life expectancy, or poor health
67 (FRA)	100% of your full benefit	Yes	Average health & life expectancy, want balance
70	124–132% of full benefit	Yes, forever	Good health, longer family history, or have other savings

Important 2026 Update: If born 1960 or later, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is exactly 67. Early claim = 30% cut. Delay to 70 = 24% bonus (8% per year past 67).

Real Money Comparison – Same Person, 3 Different Ages

Let’s use the average 2025 benefit as an example.
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit at 67 = $2,000/month (realistic for many workers)

Claim At	Monthly Check	Yearly Income	Total by Age 85	Total if You Live to 90
Age 62	$1,400	$16,800	$386,400	$470,400
Age 67	$2,000	$24,000	$432,000	$552,000
Age 70	$2,480	$29,760	$446,400	$595,200

Winner by lifespan:

• Die before ~80 → Claiming at 62 wins
• Live past 82 → Claiming at 70 wins big
• Live to 90+ → Delaying to 70 pays $125,000+ extra

Pros & Cons Table – Quick Decision Helper

Age	Pros	Cons
62	Immediate cash, enjoy early retirement, beats zero if you die young	25–30% permanent cut, harder COLA growth, may run out later
67	Full benefit, no penalty, no bonus, simple middle path	Misses big delayed credits if you live long
70	Highest monthly check, best inflation protection, spousal/survivor boost	No money for 8 years, risk dying before breakeven (~82)

Who Should Claim at Each Age? (Honest Advice)

Claim at 62 if:

• Health or family history suggests shorter life
• You have little/no other savings
• Still working? (Earnings test takes $1 for every $2 over $23,400 in 2025–$24,480 in 2026)
• Want to travel or help family early

Claim at 67 if:

• Average health (live to mid-80s)
• Have decent 401(k)/IRA to bridge the gap
• Want predictable income without big cuts or delays

Claim at 70 if:

• Excellent health or long-lived parents/grandparents
• Already have pension, rental income, or big savings
• Married? (Higher benefit helps surviving spouse)
• Want maximum lifetime + inflation-proof income

Special 2025–2026 Boosts That Change the Math

Factor	2025	2026	How It Helps Delayers
COLA	2.5%	2.8%	Bigger checks get bigger increases every year
Earnings Limit (under FRA)	$23,400	$24,480	Work longer without losing benefits
Max Taxable Wages	$176,100	$184,500	Higher earners build larger base benefits
Medicare Part B	~$185	~$206	Delayers often avoid IRMAA surcharges

Quick “When Should I Claim?” Calculator (Copy & Use!)

Your FRA benefit at 67 = $____ per month

Claim Age	Your Monthly	Total by 85	Total by 90	My Choice?
62	× 0.70 = $____	× 276 months = $____	× 336 = $____	☐
67	× 1.00 = $____	× 216 months = $____	× 276 = $____	☐
70	× 1.24 = $____	× 180 months = $____	× 240 = $____	☐

(Just multiply and compare!)

Final Answer: There Is NO One “Best” Age — Only the Best Age for YOU

• Broke or sick? → Take at 62
• Average health & savings? → 67 is safe
• Healthy, married, or want max security? → Wait till 70

Run your exact numbers free at ssa.gov/myaccount — takes 5 minutes and shows your real benefit at every age.

Claiming Social Security is the biggest financial decision most people make. Do it wrong = tens or even hundreds of thousands lost forever. Do it right = worry-free golden years.

Which age are you leaning toward? Drop a comment and I’ll help you double-check!