Yet another taking SS early question- sanity check on my math

[supernova72]

that is right. having 35 yrs of income (no zero yrs in the calculation), and to the extent possible if one is fortunate enough, having as few yrs as possible that are significantly below the max, are what is most important. I stopped working shortly after age 55. My age 62 SS will be $1682. If I had worked until 62, it would have been $1781. However, if I had stopped working at 52, which would have given me one zero yr and also one yr at close to zero income, I would only get $1400. Stopping at age 48, only $1150.

That is pretty amazing how little it changes by working another 7 yrs in your case (and maybe my case now). Thanks for the reply.