When you've spent four decades or more in the workforce, it's understandable to be drawn to the idea of claiming those monthly checks at 62.

If you're at least 62, claiming Social Security is an option you can look at for income. If you look at unemployment data, things seem good. Older workers often struggle to get hired because employers commonly don't want to take a chance on people they think are on the cusp of retirement.

Should I collect Social Security at 62? Will I need to file for Medicaid at 65 and which parts? I have lifetime VA Healthcare. If I predecease my wife, is she entitled to survivor benefits if she is younger than 62?