Claiming Social Security at 62 vs. Building a Dividend Bridge: Which Leaves You Richer at 75?

Quick ReadDelaying Social Security from 62 to 70 boosts monthly benefits by up to 48%, but requires replacing roughly $30,000 per year in bridging income. Low-yield dividend growth portfolios, like those holding JNJ or KO, typically leave retirees wealthier at 75 than high-yield strategies that erode principal. The average retiree who claims Social Security at 62 accepts a lifetime benefit cut of up to 30% below full retirement age. To skip claiming early and preserve the larger check, that retiree needs to replace roughly $30,000 per year in gross income from 62 to 70. The math never changes: income target divided by yield equals capital required.