The New York Times “Retiring” column (Dec. 7, 2025), by Brian J. O’Connor, discusses the decision about when to claim Social Security. While payments are highest if an individual waits until age 70 to collect, most people begin taking Social Security much earlier, as early as 62, resulting in payments 35 percent lower than what they would receive at full retirement age.
Maximizing payouts by waiting is not feasible for everyone. As Ruth Finkelstein says in the article, “The mass of people who ‘retire’ between 50 and 62 were pushed out of the workplace or had to leave because of someone in the family with health concerns. They’ve been holding on until 62.”
Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/business/social-security-70-retirement.html
