mongo_man

Had a family member retire too early, gambled their pension away and were 62. Filed for social security on a disability (took two attempts) and started receiving more than he would have gotten monthly at 65. And continued at a higher level after 65.

What is keeping people from doing the same (besides principles) thing to juice their social security earnings?

Instead of waiting for 62 and collecting a smaller payment, a person can claim disability earlier and collect at the 65 rate. That's what happened in the case of the family member and his "disability" payment was more than working at his age.