Failing to understand what qualifies you for Social Security
You are not guaranteed you will receive your Social Security retirement benefits. First, you have to qualify for them. How do you do that?
By paying Social Security taxes throughout your working years, or while you’re married to someone who can qualify for those benefits, as Drayton says. “The qualification rules are very complicated. The short answer the majority of people would give is that you need to work for a minimum of 10 years. Even so, it is based on a system of credits and quarters, and there are various types of qualifications for all those benefits.”
The main idea is that it’s important for you to know your qualification status, and in case you’re ineligible, what you need to do to QUALIFY for those benefits.
Having been a CPA for over 40 years and having had the experience to have actually done the tax returns of dozens of retirees, I would disagree with your initial concern of taking your Social Security too early. Of course there are a few exceptions which is why it is worthwhile to discuss your particular situation with your tax preparer or financial planner. The amount of extra money you will receive will take many years to recover even at that higher income level. Meanwhile you have had use of the money.
Cash is king always try to pay for something in person with that there will be no discrepancy about whether the funds are available or not.