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

If I predecease my wife, is she entitled to survivor benefits if she is younger than 62?

Key Points While every year you wait to claim Social Security after 62 will increase your checks, waiting may not be the ...

In this case, applying at 62 is better than taking on costly debt. You may receive a smaller lifetime benefit, but the trade ...

At 62, the average American can expect to live past 80. Based on simple longevity, you’ll reap the most total Social Security dollars in your lifetime if you wait until 70 to claim them.

However, for some individuals facing a harsh reality – immediate financial hardship – claiming Social Security at 62 can become the most strategically sound decision.

Simply put, if you signed up for Social Security at 62 but regret it after the fact, you can undo your filing and claim benefits again at a later age, thereby increasing them.

In an example provided by the Social Security Administration, a typical American who claims Social Security at 62 could claim a monthly check worth $1,400. By age 70, the benefit rises to $2,480.

But that doesn't mean claiming Social Security at 62 is a smart idea. While it does tend to be a popular choice, here are a few reasons you might regret it. Image source: Getty Images.

Claiming Social Security at 62 reduces your monthly benefits for life. There's a reason 62 tends to be a popular age for claiming Social Security. Most seniors are aware that if they file for ...