But if you claimed Social Security early and are now thinking about going back to work, you'll need to be careful. Though you're allowed to start working again, earning too much money could cause your Social Security checks to shrink in the near term.

Should I collect Social Security at 62? Will I need to file for Medicaid at 65 and which parts? I have lifetime VA Healthcare. If I predecease my wife, is she entitled to survivor benefits if she is younger than 62?

When you've spent four decades or more in the workforce, it's understandable to be drawn to the idea of claiming those monthly checks at 62.