Before You Claim Social Security
There is no single right age for everyone, but the choice is hard to undo. These five steps and a worksheet help you decide calmly.
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What is inside
- Create your free my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to see your earnings record and estimated benefits.
- Write down your estimated monthly benefit at 62, at your full retirement age and at 70.
- Know your full retirement age: it is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.
- Understand what waiting does: you can claim from 62 to 70, each year of waiting raises your check for life, and after 70 there is no further increase.
- If you are married, look at how your choice affects your spouse.
What is the full retirement age?
It is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later and 66 to 66 and 10 months for birth years 1943 to 1959.
Is the checklist free?
Yes. Download the two-page PDF.
More free printables
→ Free Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist→ Your First 30 Days as a Caregiver→ The 4 Warning Signs of Every Scam
General information, not financial advice.