Most File for Social Security at Full Retirement Age or 62, With Under 10% Delaying to Maximize Monthly Income

The most popular age to claim Social Security is the full retirement age (FRA), with around 28% of men and 27% of women filing at this age.

Age 62 is the second most popular filing age, with around 23% of men and 25% of women claiming benefits at 62.

Delaying benefits is less common - less than 10% of retirees wait until age 70 or later to file.

The average monthly retirement benefit at age 62 is $1,298, increasing to $2,038 at age 70.

When to claim depends on your goals - delaying maximizes monthly income but claiming early allows for more years of benefits or earlier retirement.