Cmarlin, I'd offer that the big question is not whether you need the money at 62, but what your money needs might be 20-30 years later (assuming you plan on even possibly sticking around). I'm fresh off some tedious number crunching and surprised at just how damaging inflation can be over a long time. Of course I knew inflation was a beast, I just didn't know it was quite that bad. And while Quicken Financial Planner says everything is fine and the Monte Carlo simulator says everything is fine, laying it out by hand and seeing our living expenses dollars double over 20 years and triple over 32 years was a bit shocking. (I used 3.5% for inflation.) Some of our income streams will be fixed and others, well, I'm not convinced the COL increases can really keep pace. Not to that degree. But every bit helps. In our scenario the numbers happen to work better over time with me taking mine early and for DH to take his (larger) as late as possible.

chisue, FICA tax was designed to pay for social security benefits and it's been overcharging for that purpose since it started. Also, remember that self employed people (as I was) pay double the amount, currently 15.2%. It's a heavy tax and more isn't needed. alisande, economically it's a free country. There's a (maybe inadequate) safety net for those who falter or fare less well than others, but isn't each individual alone responsible for their lot in life and to take care of themselves and any others they support? I won't go along with any Robin Hood sentiment, those who obey the law and work hard to do well are entitled to their rewards. Those who don't strive and try anything possible to improve their own financial adequacy or well-being will do poorly and are entitled to those consequences too. There should be far more programs to help people redirect their lives and learn market-demanded job skills but beyond that, hmmm.

I found the prelim information I wanted, including my monthly benefit options depending on which year benefits were started, was available on the website. I'm a year older than your husband and have decided to start benefits some months from now when I turn 66. I was able to apply online. They telephoned me a few weeks after I completed the online app for a final review of options and to verify the choices I made that couldn't be changed. It was quick and easy. The guy who called me was knowledgeable and friendly, we conducted the 30 minute phone call while I was driving on the freeway while on an out of town trip

Most people do not have any idea what life was like before Social Security. It was a life saver for so many elderly people who couldn't work anymore. I was raised by a single mother. My father died when I was 6. My father was a soldier in WW1 and got the 1918 flu. He was left with a bad heart. He got a disability from the VA but he worked after discharge as an electrician. He paid into Social Security. My mother was born in 1908 and had no education, was put to work as a child as were her other sisters. The boys went to school, but the girls worked domestic work. I was born when my mother was 48. My two brothers were 20 -22 yrs older. Married, working and had families. My mother raised me as an only child. My mother had no education, could not read or write. Never went to school. But was strict about her children having a good education. My father taught me to read at age 4. After he died, I had to work as soon as I got working papers. I worked at a library, after school for $40.00 a month. I handed her that money. After high school, the VA paid for College but I still had to work full time to help my mother. I attended Community College at night after work. Long and short, everyone has their stories why Social Security saved their lives and their families. I can't imagine what would have happened to me and my mother without it. My father, as a disabled Veteran left my mother a pension and along with that and Social Security, and my working from a young age, helped us to have a good life. VA even paid for me to attend College for 4 yrs. Until you walk in other peoples shoes, don't make comments that you haven't lived or understand. Jane