Some Americans are claiming Social Security years before full retirement age out of fear their benefits will be cut once the program runs short on cash.
They say they want to get as much in benefits as they can before 2034. That is when the retirement program is projected to deplete its reserves, triggering a 23% reduction in benefits, unless Congress acts. Economists and financial advisers generally discourage claiming early. Most expect Congress will prevent a precipitous drop in benefits.
