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Waiting until 70 can lift benefits by ~8% yearly after full retirement age, giving retirees a larger inflation-adjusted payment that is hard to match elsewhere.
For couples, having the higher earner wait can maximize survivor income, while larger later checks may strengthen long-term cash flow and reduce pressure on assets.
If you expect a longer life, delaying can make stronger financial sense, especially as health care advances and wellness efforts help more Americans live longer.
Actuarial data suggest a healthy 65-year-old US non-smoker has ~1-in-3 odds of living 25 more yr; women were closer to ~45%, supporting later claiming.
Waiting is less useful for people with shorter life expectancy, immediate income needs, or limited bridge assets, and earlier claiming could provide more financial comfort.

3 Reasons to Delay Social Security to 70

In Late-Q2 2026, cost of living led financial stress for 58% of US workers, ahead of retirement savings, 12%, and emergency funds, 9%.
Money strain affected daily work in Late-Q2: 64% reported stress, 15% said productivity suffered, 10% struggled to concentrate, and 3% missed work entirely.
Emergency savings remained a pressure point: 23% lacked basic-need reserves, and workers under 40 were three times likelier than over-50 peers to report productivity drops.
Family caregiving added pressure: 27% of US workers supported adult relatives, and among them, 34% reported financial strain, 27% mental strain, 13% productivity loss.
Benefit knowledge and support mattered: 46% did not strongly understand workplace savings plans, and 49% wanted more retirement, pension, or savings guidance.