You can file for Social Security at 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently lower than if you wait

You become able to file for Social Security retirement benefits at 62. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will process your claim, but your monthly check will be about 30 percent smaller than if you waited until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). This reduction is permanent — it does not increase later. You need a Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a birth certificate to file.

You can file online through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online filing is fastest; most people complete it in 15 to 20 minutes. Phone and in-person appointments require scheduling. Processing takes about two weeks if you file online with no missing documents, and up to six weeks if you file by phone or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing at 62 reduces your monthly benefit by roughly 30 percent compared to waiting until full retirement age, and this reduction never goes away.
  • You need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to file.
  • Online filing at ssa.gov is the fastest route and usually takes two weeks from submission to first payment.
  • If you are still working, your benefits may be reduced or withheld until you reach full retirement age, depending on your earnings.
  • You can change your mind within 12 months of filing and withdraw your claim, but only once in your lifetime.

What documents you need before you file

Gather these items before you start your application. The SSA will ask for them whether you file online, by phone, or in person. If you do not have an original document, a certified copy from the issuing agency (your state vital records office, your country's embassy, or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles) works.

You need your Social Security number — this is on your Social Security card or in any letter the SSA sent you. You need a birth certificate issued by the state or country where you were born. You need proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship) or proof of legal residency (a green card or a visa). If you were married before, bring divorce decrees or annulment papers. If you are currently married, bring your marriage certificate. Have your bank account number and routing number ready if you want direct deposit — this is the fastest way to receive your first payment.

Filing online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "Apply for Retirement Benefits" on the homepage. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. The account requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. This takes about five minutes.

Once you are logged in, select "Retirement Benefits" and answer the questions about your work history, living situation, and family. The form asks whether you are still working, how much you earned last year, and whether you have a spouse or ex-spouse you were married to for at least 10 years. Be accurate — the SSA cross-checks your answers against tax records and employment history. The form saves automatically, so you can stop and come back later if you need to find documents.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email. The SSA will contact you if they need more information. Most people hear back within two weeks. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit about three to five business days after approval.

Filing by phone or in person

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your documents ready before you call — the representative will ask for your Social Security number, birth date, citizenship status, and work history. They will also ask whether you are still working and how much you earned in the past year.

If you prefer to file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or residency, and your Social Security card. In-person appointments usually take 30 to 45 minutes. Processing takes the same amount of time as phone filing — about four to six weeks.

How the earnings test affects your payment if you are still working

If you are working and earning wages, the SSA reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a yearly limit. For 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year. If you earn $25,400, you are $2,000 over the limit, so your benefits are reduced by $1,000 that year. This reduction applies only until you reach your full retirement age — after that, you can earn as much as you want without losing benefits.

Self-employment income counts toward this limit. Investment income, pensions, and annuities do not. The SSA calculates this reduction automatically once they have your earnings information, so you do not need to report it yourself. If you think you will earn more than the limit, you can still file at 62 — just know that some or all of your benefits may be withheld that year.

What happens after you file

The SSA sends you a notice of award letter once your claim is approved. This letter shows your monthly benefit amount, your full retirement age, and the date your payments start. Payments usually begin the month after you file, though sometimes there is a one-month delay. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on what you chose during filing.

You do not need to do anything else to keep receiving benefits. The SSA automatically adjusts your payment each January for cost-of-living increases. If your circumstances change — you move, your marital status changes, or you start or stop working — you can update your information through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Withdrawing your claim if you change your mind

You can withdraw your claim within 12 months of filing, but only once in your lifetime. If you withdraw, you must repay all the benefits you received. This option exists because some people file at 62 and later realize they would have been better off waiting. Withdrawing lets you stop your payments, repay what you got, and file again later at a higher benefit amount.

To withdraw, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. You will need to sign a form called "Request for Withdrawal of Application" (Form SSA-521). The SSA will calculate how much you owe based on the payments you received. You can pay in a lump sum or arrange a payment plan. After you repay, your claim is cancelled and you can file again when you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file at 62 if I am still working full-time?

Yes, but your benefits will be reduced or withheld depending on how much you earn. If you earn more than $23,400 per year (the 2024 limit), the SSA reduces your payment by $1 for every $2 over that amount. This reduction stops once you reach full retirement age.

How long does it take to get my first payment after I file?

If you file online, processing usually takes two weeks and your first payment arrives three to five business days after approval. If you file by phone or in person, processing takes four to six weeks. Your first payment covers the month you filed in.

What if I was married before — can I get benefits on my ex-spouse's record?

Yes, if you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced or widowed. You can receive a benefit based on your ex-spouse's earnings record even if they have not filed yet. Bring your divorce decree or annulment papers when you file. The SSA will determine which benefit is higher — yours or your ex-spouse's — and pay that amount.

Will my benefit increase if I wait past 62?

Yes. Your benefit increases by about 8 percent for each year you delay filing, up until age 70. If you wait until 70, your monthly payment will be about 76 percent higher than if you filed at 62. This increase is permanent and applies to your survivor benefits as well.

What if the SSA asks for more information after I file?

The SSA will contact you by mail or phone if they need documents or clarification. Respond as quickly as you can — delays in providing information can slow down your approval. If you filed online, you can also check the status of your application through your my Social Security account.