Archive · 21 Dec 2025
Waiting Until 70 Boosts Social Security Payments
Social Security is a retirement benefit in the U.S. The amount you get each month depends on when you start taking it.
You can start as early as 62, but your monthly check will be smaller.
If you wait until your full retirement age (between 66 and 67, depending on when you were born), you get your full benefit.
If you wait until age 70, your monthly payment will be even bigger, about 124% more than if you started at full retirement age.
For example, if you were supposed to get $1,000 a month at full retirement age, waiting until 70 could increase that to about $1,240 a month.
The choice depends on your health, money situation, and personal needs.
Waiting usually means more money each month, which can add up over time.
Full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security is 66-67, depending on birth year
Claiming benefits at 62 reduces monthly payments permanently
Waiting until age 70 increases monthly benefits to 124% of FRA amount
Average 2025 benefit at 62: $1,377.03; at 67: $1,962.63
Delaying benefits can result in thousands of extra dollars over retirement
- Who
- Retirees eligible for Social Security benefits
- What
- The impact of claiming age on Social Security payments
- When
- During retirement planning, typically between ages 62 and 70
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To maximize monthly benefits and long-term financial security
- Full Retirement Age (FRA)
- 66-67, depending on birth year
- Earliest Claiming Age
- 62
- Maximum Claiming Age
- 70
- Benefit Increase at 70
- 124% of FRA benefit
- Average Benefit at 62 (2025)
- $1,377.03
- Average Benefit at 67 (2025)
- $1,962.63