Key Points Claiming your Social Security checks before age 70 results in a benefit less than the maximum. If you claim before your full retirement age, you'll reduce your standard benefit. There are ways to increase your Social Security income later, even if you're facing a smaller benefit due to an early claim. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you claimed Social Security benefits early, you made a decision that shrunk your monthly payment. You have a full ...