The 'Optimal' Age to Claim Social Security Benefits : 65

According to a study, the optimal Social Security claiming age for a 55-year-old single man with a life expectancy of 76 is age 65, according to a HealthView Services analysis.

This of course depends on health and life expectancy, but since delaying Social Security benefits results in an 8 percent higher benefit, it's best to not claim early according to a HealthView Services analysis.