2 Reasons to Claim Social Security at Age 62, and 1 Reason Not To

2 Reasons to Claim Social Security at Age 62, and 1 Reason Not To

The age you begin claiming Social Security will directly affect how much you receive each month, so it's crucial to choose wisely when deciding when to file for benefits. Age 62 is the earliest you can begin claiming benefits, and it's also the most popular age to file, according to a report from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. In some cases, claiming as early as possible could pay off in retirement.