it gives you a little more "credit" on your years spent working. i don't know how much advantage it might bring, but go to the social security site on the internet. there are calculators there that can help you figure out pretty closely just how much you'll gain or lose by retiring sooner than later. it doesn't make you commit to anything--it's just a help to find out how much you'll have coming in. (i retired early to take care of the hubster, who no longer felt comfortable at home alone, with his parkinson's. it was helpful to me to find out that the money i'd lose by retiring a year "early" in my plans, was about equal to the amount i spent on gas, commuting to work. win/win. i'm home, he's happier and feeling stronger.) and i'm babysitting two new grand babies, too! another win/win!