Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez If you're nearing retirement, you’ve probably wondered when to start taking Social Security benefits. For years, age 65 was considered the “normal” retirement age, but a law passed in 1983 gradually raised this age to reflect the increasing life expectancy of Americans.

The average retiree would collect about 9% more retirement income from Social Security if they claimed their benefits at an optimal age. Only 4% of retirees seem to have claimed their benefits at the best time.

If you're 70-years-old or older, apply for Social Security now to ensure you receive the benefits you're owed, even if you're still working.

For as long as it's been an option, Social Security's earliest claiming age -- 62 -- has been one of its most popular. But that's changing.

Planning for retirement isn’t something you should wait until your 40s or 50s to do. The earlier in life you start, the more likely you may be to reach your personal goals. Meanwhile, a big part of retirement planning is figuring out what role Social Security will play in your senior income.

The database includes millions of Americans who are probably dead but who have no death records. But they generally don’t collect checks, as Musk and Trump suggest.

If there's one thing I'd encourage people to do before claiming benefits, it would be to read your latest Social Security statement.

Working while collecting Social Security can make good sense for some seniors. Those who want to work part-time but still enjoy the retirement lifestyle may decide that Social Security is a good way to supplement their paychecks.

For millions of Americans, the Social Security retirement check is a lifeline. However, certain overlooked factors can jeopardize this crucial income source. Understanding these risks is essential for a secure retirement.