"Collecting Social Security as soon as you are eligible is a tempting proposition — but experts agree you should try to resist if you can.
"The majority of people don’t follow that advice, choosing instead to start benefits early. Why wait to collect what is rightfully yours?
"That logic may sound reasonable now. But in reality, the bigger risk is that you will live to a ripe old age. You can claim Social Security any time from age 62 to 70, but the longer you wait, the larger your monthly check. And many people come out ahead if they wait at least until their full retirement age, which is different from the day you stop working for good. For people born 1943 to 1954, full retirement age is 66, and it creeps up for younger people."
Collect Now, or Later? Timing Your Social Security Benefits