Wealth with Intention
Money Wisdom for Your Next Chapter
When Should You Take Social Security? 62 vs. 67 vs. 70 in 2026
By Leah Hadley, AFC®, CDFA®. Last updated September 2026 with the current Social Security figures.
"When should I start taking Social Security?" is one of the questions we hear most often from people approaching retirement. It sounds like it should have a simple answer. It does not, because the best choice depends on your health, your other income, your marital status, your taxes, and how long you expect to work. Let's walk through how the decision works and what to weigh so you can choose on purpose instead of by default.
The short version. You can claim Social Security as early as 62 or as late as 70. Every year you wait, your monthly benefit gets larger, and for someone with a full retirement age of 67, claiming at 70 pays about 77% more per month than claiming at 62. Waiting is often the better deal for people who expect a long life or who have a spouse who may outlive them. Claiming earlier can make sense if you need the income, have health concerns, or are working through a ga
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Leah Hadley, AFC®, CDFA®, MAFF®
Founder/Senior Wealth Manager
Leah Hadley is the founder of Intentional Wealth Partners and Intentional Divorce Solutions, sister companies based in Cleveland and serving clients nationwide. Intentional Wealth Partners provides financial planning and wealth management. She specializes in helping women and couples navigate major life transitions with confidence and clarity. She is also the author of Intentional Money: The Modern Woman's Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose, and Peace, host of the "Intentional Divorce Insights" podcast, and a sought-after speaker.
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