I Used to Think Claiming Social Security at 62 Was a Mistake. Here's Why I Don't Anymore.
When it comes to claiming Social Security, you get choices. You're allowed to file for benefits once you turn 62, but you won't get your full monthly benefit based on your personal income history until full retirement age, or FRA.
Your FRA depends on your year of birth. It's either 66, 67, or somewhere in between. You can also delay your Social Security filing past FRA for a boosted monthly benefit for life (though at age 70, that incentive runs out). By contrast, if you claim Social Security at 62, your monthly benefit could end up being up to 30% lower than what it would be at FRA.
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Source Fool.com
