Most people don't think about average Social Security checks until they're close to claiming. Then, two questions come to ...

Claiming at 62 -- the earliest you can -- will reduce your monthly checks by up to 30%. Claiming that early could make sense if you have a short life expectancy or lack personal savings. The numbers ...

Workers can start Social Security as early as age 62, but they will not maximize their monthly benefit unless they delay until age 70. The average 70-year-old retired worker receives $2,188 per month ...