Claiming Social Security early can be a matter of life and death

Encore

Taking Social Security before your full retirement age may have profound consequences

Last Updated: June 17, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. ET
First Published: June 17, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. ET

Think twice before you join the growing number of 62-year-olds who are deciding to be “early claimers” of their Social Security benefits.

I’m referring to the option that Social Security provides you to start receiving benefits at age 62 instead of at your full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67). While your monthly benefits will be smaller if you claim early, you may still believe that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush — especially given the widespread publicity around Social Security’s estimate that it will be unable to pay 100% of benefits beginning in 2033.

About the Author

Mark Hulbert is a columnist for MarketWatch. His Hulbert Ratings service tracks investment newsletters that pay a flat fee to be audited.