You're allowed to claim Social Security as early as 62, but doing it so early reduces your checks by 5/9 of 1% per month for up to 36 months and then 5/12 of 1% per month thereafter. If your FRA is 67, you shrink your benefit by 30% when you claim right away at 62.

If you’re at least 62, you may be able to claim Social Security and the dependent child benefit that'll provide your child with a monthly check for half your full retirement age (FRA) benefit even if you’re not yet 67, or FRA. In any case, more people ...

Some married couples can maximize Social Security benefits when the lower-earning spouse files for benefits first, even before their full retirement age.

After a delay, the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This is expected to add about $56 to the average benefit, though you could get a little more or less than this. It may not be the boost you were hoping for, but any extra money is better than your checks remaining the same.

Social Security beneficiaries are set for a 2.8 percent increase in their monthly payments. This adjustment begins with December 2025 payments, distributed in January 2026. Retirees and spousal benefit recipients will experience higher checks.