What’s the Best Age to Take Social Security? Research Shows There’s a Clear Answer

The age you begin claiming Social Security will affect your monthly benefit amount for the rest of your life, so it's critical to make this decision carefully. You can file for benefits at age 62 or anytime after that, but waiting longer will result in larger payments each month. To receive the full benefit amount you're entitled to based on your work history, you'll need to wait until your full retirement age (FRA).