I took my Social Security 2 years ago due to health concerns after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The extra money was going to be helpful. That is the only reason for me. If I were you I would wait atleast through Dec. 31. Then apply the next week. They check on what you've paid into through the year. If you apply before then, they will check through 2013 instead of 2014. So for a few extra weeks and throw in 2014, it's worth it.