Dear Help Me Retire, I am 63 and decided I want to go ahead and start drawing my Social Security retirement benefits. I am still working full time. I was told that I cannot receiv

The last round of payments for January are coming. If you're waiting on your check, here's when you can expect it.

Qualifying for Social Security benefits in retirement generally goes something like this: Work and pay taxes on your income. Accumulate at least 40 work credits in your lifetime. Sign up for benefits whenever you want starting at age 62.

Social Security benefits become available to those who qualify as early as the age of 62, but if you can wait until 70, you'll get the maximum payment in your monthly check. That said, sometimes it doesn't make financial sense to wait.

The first round of February’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, will go out to the first group of retirees in 20 days. Here is all you need to know about this month’s Social Security payments,

You can claim Social Security benefits at 62, but you won't qualify for your full benefit yet. Full retirement age for those turning 62 this year is 67. Though claiming early reduces your benefit, delaying your claim increases it.

Key Points from 24/7 Wall St. Age 62 is the earliest age to claim Social Security, and it results in a reduced benefit for life. If you have nice savings, an early filing won't necessarily hurt your retirement finances.