For many older adults, Social Security can make or break retirement. More than one-third of nonretired adults say their benefits will be a major source of income in retirement, according to a 2023 Gallup poll, and an additional 48% say they'll be depending on Social Security but to a lesser degree.

If you're going to be relying on your benefits, it's wise to make the most of them. The age you begin claiming will have an enormous impact on the amount you receive each month, and while you can file as early as age 62, it will result in smaller checks each month.

That said, it's still possible to receive thousands of dollars per month even when claiming early. Here's the maximum benefit you can collect at age 62 as of 2024, as well as exactly how to achieve those payments.

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Source Fool.com