Claim Social Security at 62, 67 or 70?

If you were born in 1960 or later, 67 is your full retirement age — 100% of what you've earned. Claim at 62 and the check is about 30% smaller for life; wait to 70 and it's about 24% bigger. Whether to wait comes down to whether you need the money now, how long you expect to live, and whether a spouse will depend on your benefit. Whatever you choose, sign up for Medicare at 65. This is education, not financial advice.