Social Security benefits can be claimed any time between ages 62 and 70, but the benefit amount varies depending on the age claimed. Claiming at age 62 results in a 30% permanent reduction, while waiting until age 70 leads to a 24% increase compared to the full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67 depending on the year of birth. There are advantages to both claiming early to receive benefits for a longer period, or waiting to maximize the monthly payout amount; personal financial situation and retirement plans should be considered to determine the best time to claim.