The Absolute Number 1 Reason to Claim Social Security at 65

"While delaying Social Security maximizes the monthly payout, claiming at an earlier eligibility age - 65 - offers certain advantages. 65 is no longer the "official" retirement age. For many, that's pushed to 67. However, it does depend on the year you were born. (You can use SSA's retirement age calculator to determine when your full retirement age is, which is important when deciding when to retire.)"

"That said, there are many benefits to retiring at 65, and many people still do. For those with health limitations, claiming Social Security at 65 provides crucial income to manage rising healthcare costs and potentially reduced earning capacity. By doing so, you can gain crucial financial support to manage rising healthcare costs and potentially reduced earning capacity, ensuring a more secure and manageable retirement."

"We'd all like to stay healthy well into our senior years. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Health problems can sneak up on us when we least expect it - sometimes before we even reach retirement. Those with serious health challenges may find their earning capacity cut or be forced to retire early. Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, arthritis, or respiratory conditions, can significantly limit a person's physical capabilities and stamina, making it difficult or impossible to perform their previous job duties."

Social Security benefits can be claimed anytime after age 62, with delayed claiming increasing monthly payouts. Claiming at age 65 offers advantages despite 65 no longer being the official full retirement age for many people. Full retirement age often falls at 67 depending on birth year; SSA's retirement age calculator determines individual full retirement age. Delaying benefits raises monthly payments but risks having fewer years to enjoy retirement. Claiming at 65 provides crucial income for those with health limitations to manage rising healthcare costs and reduced earning capacity. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, or respiratory conditions can limit work capacity and create a financial double bind.

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