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.

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.