Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTMaurie BackmanFri, July 17, 2026 at 8:13 PM GMT+2 4 min readQuick ReadClaiming Social Security at 62 cuts monthly benefits by up to 30% compared to waiting until full retirement age of 67.Spousal benefits max out at 50% of a spouse's full retirement benefit and earn no delayed credits past full retirement age.Errors in your SSA earnings record can permanently shrink your checks, so review your statements at ssa.gov and report mistakes immediately.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.For many people, Social Security eventually becomes a crucial part of their retirement income. And after working and paying into the system for decades, you deserve the largest checks you can get.MargJohnsonVA / Shutterstock.comBut certain slip-ups on your part could leave you with less Social Security than you might otherwise receive. Here are a few ways you may be leaving Social Security money behind without even realizing it.1. Filing for benefits earlyWhen you hear that Social Security benefits are available starting at age 62, your initial reaction might be to file right away. What you may not realize is that claiming at 62 could result in a 30% reduction to your monthly benefits compared to waiting until full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.Now in some cases, an early Social Security claim can lead to more lifetime income despite resulting in smaller individual checks. If you have health problems and don't anticipate living a long life, filing for benefits early could result in more total Social Security income because you start getting paid sooner.But before you claim Social Security at 62, think about what it means for your monthly income and cash flow. And if you decide to file early, make sure there's a reason for it, and that you aren't simply acting impulsively._________________________________What's Your Number...?Here's a question most people 5y from retirement can't answer: at your current savings rate, how much do you need, and how long will it actually last? A good advisor can put a date on that in a single meeting. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with up to three fiduciary advisors serving your area, so you can get YOUR retirement number now (sponsor)__________________________________________2. Delaying a spousal benefit claimSpousal benefits can serve as a key source of income for retirees who don't have enough of a work history to qualify for Social Security on their own. If you're married (or an eligible divorcee), you may be entitled to spousal benefits from Social Security that are equal to up to 50% of the benefit your spouse (or ex-spouse) gets at their FRA.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info