You can start collecting Social Security at age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait
The earliest you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. However, the amount you receive each month depends on when you claim. If you claim at 62, your monthly payment will be roughly 30 percent lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year. If you wait until age 70, your payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you delay past your full retirement age.
You do not have to claim at any particular age — the choice is yours. Some people need the money at 62 and accept the smaller payment. Others can wait and receive more per month for the rest of their life. There is no single "right" answer; it depends on your health, finances, and how long you expect to live.
Key Takeaways
- You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age.
- Your full retirement age is between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born, and claiming at that age gives you your standard benefit amount.
- Waiting until age 70 increases your monthly payment by roughly 8 percent per year beyond your full retirement age, up to age 70.
- You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) to be may have access to to retirement benefits on your own record.
- You can claim spousal or survivor benefits at different ages than retirement benefits, with their own reduction rules.
Full Retirement Age Based on Birth Year
Your full retirement age — the age at which you receive your standard benefit amount — depends on when you were born. The Social Security Administration raised this age gradually starting in 1983 to account for longer life expectancy.
| Birth Year | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1943–1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 and later | 67 |
If you were born on January 1, use the previous year's age. The Social Security Administration website has a tool to calculate your exact full retirement age if you are unsure.
How Much Your Payment Reduces If You Claim Early
Claiming at 62 instead of your full retirement age reduces your monthly payment by roughly 25 to 30 percent, depending on your exact birth date. The reduction is permanent — you will receive the lower amount for the rest of your life, even after you reach your full retirement age.
For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and your standard benefit would be $1,500 per month, claiming at 62 might give you around $1,050 per month instead. That $450 monthly difference adds up over time. However, if you claim at 62 and live to 80, you will have received more total money by that point than if you had waited until 67 to claim.
The exact reduction percentage depends on how many months early you claim. The Social Security Administration can tell you the specific reduction for your birth date and claimed age before you file.
How Much Your Payment Increases If You Wait Past Full Retirement Age
For each year you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly benefit increases by roughly 8 percent per year, up until age 70. After age 70, your benefit no longer increases, so there is no financial reason to wait past 70 to claim.
Using the same example: if your standard benefit at 67 is $1,500 per month, waiting until 70 would give you roughly $1,860 per month. You receive fewer total payments over your lifetime, but each payment is significantly larger. This strategy makes sense if you expect to live well into your 80s or 90s, or if you do not need the money yet and want to maximize your monthly income later.
Work Requirements and Your Earnings Record
To receive Social Security retirement benefits on your own record, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years, which equals 40 quarters of coverage. A quarter is roughly three months; you can earn up to four quarters per year regardless of how much you earn in that year.
The Social Security Administration keeps a record of your earnings history. You can view your record online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. If you see errors in your earnings history, you should report them as soon as possible, because they affect your benefit amount.
If you have not worked 10 years, you may still be may have access to to benefits as a spouse, ex-spouse, or dependent of someone who has worked 10 years. Those benefits have different age rules and reduction amounts.
Spousal and Survivor Benefits Have Different Age Rules
If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you may be may have access to to benefits based on your spouse's or ex-spouse's work record, even if you did not work 10 years yourself. These benefits have their own claiming ages and reduction rules.
Spousal benefits let you receive up to 50 percent of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount. You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but your payment will be reduced. If you wait until your full retirement age, you receive the full 50 percent.
Survivor benefits go to your family members if you die. Your widow or widower can claim as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). Your children can claim until age 19 (or 23 if in high school full-time). The total amount paid to your family is capped at roughly 150 to 180 percent of what you would have received.
What Happens to Your Benefits If You Work Before Full Retirement Age
If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age and continue working, the Social Security Administration will reduce your benefits if your earnings exceed a certain limit. For 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year. For every $2 you earn above that limit, your benefit is reduced by $1.
This earnings test applies only until you reach your full retirement age. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction to your benefits. If you are still working and thinking about claiming early, ask the Social Security Administration how much you can earn without affecting your payment.
How to Start the Claiming Process
You can claim Social Security online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option through ssa.gov is usually fastest — you can complete the application in about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your bank account information for direct deposit.
If you apply by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. If you prefer to apply in person, find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Processing typically takes two to three weeks if you apply online, longer if you apply by phone or in person.
You do not have to claim the moment you turn 62. You can wait weeks, months, or years. There is no penalty for waiting, and you can change your mind within 12 months of claiming if you change your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Social Security if I am still working full-time?
Yes, but if you are under your full retirement age and earn more than $23,400 per year, your benefit will be reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn any amount without affecting your benefit. Many people claim at 62 while still working, accept the reduction, and then receive the full amount once they reach full retirement age.
What if I was born on January 1 — which year's full retirement age do I use?
If you were born on January 1, you use the full retirement age for the previous year. For example, if you were born January 1, 1955, your full retirement age is 66, not 66 and 2 months. The Social Security Administration website has a calculator if you are unsure.
Can I claim Social Security if I was not born in the United States?
Yes, if you have a valid Social Security number and have worked 10 years in jobs covered by Social Security. You will need to show proof of legal residency or citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your local Social Security office to learn what documents you need.
What if I claim at 62 and then change my mind?
You can withdraw your claim within 12 months of claiming and repay all the benefits you received. This resets your claim, and you can file again later at a higher benefit amount. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw your claim, but you can suspend your benefits at full retirement age and let them grow until 70.
Does my benefit amount change after I start collecting?
Yes. Your benefit is adjusted each year for cost-of-living increases. The Social Security Administration announces the adjustment in October, and it takes effect in January. You will receive a notice showing your new benefit amount.