CHICAGO (AP) — Taking Social Security benefits early comes with a price, yet more than 4 in 10 Americans age 50 and over say they’ll dip into the program before reaching full retirement age.
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll says 44 percent report Social Security will be their biggest source of income during retirement.
Americans can begin collecting as early as age 62, but benefits drop by up to 30 percent.
But waiting until full retirement age is not an option for many.
Among those with incomes under $50,000, 58 percent say they’re more anxious than secure about their savings for retirement. People with higher incomes appear less anxious, but still, 40 percent of those with incomes of $100,000 or more worry whether their savings will be sufficient.
