When you've spent four decades or more in the workforce, it's understandable to be drawn to the idea of claiming those monthly checks at 62.

I’ll be 62 in early 2026. I’m in relatively good physical shape. I collect 100% VA Disability for mental health at $4,000 per month. I have $40,000 in cryptocurrency that I play around with. I have $2,000 in hydrogen company penny stocks. I also have $129,000 in a rollover IRA that we don’t necessarily plan on touching, and lifetime VA Healthcare.

If you're like most people, the earliest you can claim Social Security benefits is age 62. Waiting until later, though, will increase the size of your monthly checks . Still, there are plenty of reasons you may prefer to begin receiving Social Security benefits at 62.