1. Not knowing your full retirement age
You’re not entitled to your full monthly benefit until you reach what’s known as full retirement age (FRA).
Not knowing your full retirement age can cause you to claim Social Security at the wrong time.
2. Filing too early
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to file as early as age 62. However, for each month you file for Social Security ahead of FRA, your benefits get reduced by a small percentage.
3. Not checking your annual earnings statements
Checking that statement for errors is important, because if you spot a mistake that works against you it could cause your benefits to go down.