Sometimes it feels like the closer we get to retirement, the more alluring it seems to tell work goodbye and take our long-awaited Social Security.

But as this article by Maurie Backman by way of The Motley Fool reminds us, claiming too early can leave you with a low benefit — and when we say leave you with it, we mean that you’re stuck with that amount forever.

You could also end up with a lower benefit depending on how much you work. The key is considering the perfect midpoint where you can take benefits and get what you deserve without having to wait so long.

What is that midpoint? As we’ve pointed out, it’s 65 for most people — though it’s before the full retirement age of 66/67 depending on where you live, it lets you retire a little earlier while giving your benefit a little boost.

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