In general, most people can start Social Security at age 62. However, your monthly payments will be less than if you delay until your maximum retirement age.-- To determine your maximum retirement age (the age at which you could maximize your monthly income), please visit:http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm-- If you would like more information about the many benefits of working when you are of retirement age, continue here: http://www.newretirement.com/Services/Working_In_Retirement_Reasons.aspx-- Learn more about the benefits of delaying Social Security here:http://www.newretirement.com/Services/Social-Security-Benefits.aspxI would also encourage you to look for ways to eliminate your mortgage. Have you considered downsizing your home or a Reverse Mortgage?