The mechanics, in one breath
You can claim as early as 62, at a permanent discount. Full retirement age for most people retiring now is around 67. Wait past that and the benefit grows about 8% per year until it maxes at 70. A married couple is really choosing between two benefits. And the larger one usually becomes the survivor's check, which makes the higher earner's timing a protection decision, not just an income one.
Why the message boards get this wrong
The internet argues break-even math: 'if you die before 80-something, claiming early wins.' But you are not an average. Your health, your family history, your spouse's benefit, whether you'll keep working, and what your portfolio can cover in the gap years all change the answer. Two neighbors with identical benefits can have opposite right answers.
This decision is permanent, it's one of the biggest income decisions of your life, and it deserves an hour with your actual numbers, not a poll of strangers.
Written by the team at The Retirement Life, led by Rc Arseneau, CFP®. This is education, not individualized advice. Your situation deserves a real conversation before any decision.