For years, financial advisors have preached the same mantra: “Wait until 70 to claim Social Security.” The math was clear—waiting maximized your guaranteed monthly income for life. However, in 2026, behavioral economics is shifting, and a growing number of Americans are ignoring this advice and pulling the ripcord at age 62. Faced with a unique convergence of high living costs, market uncertainty, and grim headlines about the program’s future, seniors are prioritizing “bird in the hand” liquidity over “bird in the bush” maximization. It is a rational response to an irrational economic environment. Here are five reasons why the trend is flipping back toward early claiming this year.
