Excellent to clarify why a friend is going through that and I am worried that the wife will take everything from him. Does it matter how early or late I get my retirement benefits?
No matter what your full retirement age is you may start receiving your benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.
What happens if I delay my benefits until after full retirement age?
If you wait to delay benefits until after full retirement age you may be eligible for delayed retirement credits that would increase your monthly benefit, which is something to consider.