RE-early SS retirement benefits. Everything I have seen says if you are not working to begin collecting at 62 or in your case, now. We did that and DH began collecting as soon as he was eligible. Did the fellow say whether you can collect on your DH's account? There is something about being able to collect the higher benefit of your own or his. I'm not sure if it's only in case you are widowed...if the fellow gave you his number you might want to talk to him again.