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When it comes to Social Security, timing matters more than most people think — and not just a little. The age you choose to start saving can massively change your monthly check, dictating everything from your day-to-day budget to how long your savings will last.
In 2026, those differences are more noticeable than ever. So, what does the average profit at 62, 67 and 70 actually look like?
“As a CPA and tax advisor, I get a lot of questions from clients approaching retirement about when they should start taking their Social Security benefits,” said Ashley Akin, CPA, tax advisor and senior contributor. CEP DC.
“The answer is not the same for everyone, but the data from 2026 clearly shows how the timing of your claim can affect the amount you receive.”
according to social Security Administration, If you delay taking your benefits until age 70, past your full retirement age, your benefit amount will increase.
Here’s how your Social Security benefit numbers increase as you age.
How does the monthly benefit increase from 62 to 70?
Social Security benefits are an important aspect of any financial planning. Some individuals consider early Social Security benefits because they receive more years of benefit payments.
“Social Security benefits for a 62-year-old worker in 2026 will be about $1,400 a month,” Akin said.
“For a 65-year-old worker who will turn 67 in 2026, the monthly benefit will be approximately $2,017.”
He said if a 62-year-old in 2026 chooses to delay claiming benefits until age 70, the monthly benefit will be $2,250 or more, depending on the size of previous benefits.
“The IRS recently issued an alert regarding Social Security benefits,” Akin said.
Why some retirees claim early – and others wait
There are many reasons why people choose to receive lower monthly benefits for the rest of their lives, Akin said.
“It may be that the lower monthly benefit, combined with their retirement savings and investments, creates an acceptable cash flow plan for their future.”
Conversely, he said some people choose to delay receiving their Social Security benefits until later in life to maximize monthly benefits and, therefore, have monthly cash available to spend in their retirement years.
Why isn’t time just about monthly checkups?
“The most common misconception about Social Security is that it’s just a monthly check,” Akin stressed.
He said this focus on monthly payments leads people to think that, because they can receive 36 months of Social Security payments after age 62 (a total of 60 months if they wait until age 70 to collect), they have plenty of time to wait for the higher payments.
“While this may be true if they have adequate savings and can wait, it may not be so if they need the money immediately or if they are in poor health and expect to live a short life.”