The earliest and latest ages you can claim Social Security

You can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced. If you wait until your full retirement age — which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year — you receive your full benefit amount. If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your benefit grows by roughly 8 percent per year until age 70, when growth stops.

The Social Security Administration does not require you to claim at any particular age. You choose when to start, and that choice affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life. There is no "best" age for everyone — it depends on your health, how long you expect to live, whether you are still working, and whether you need the money now.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be about 30 percent lower than if you wait until full retirement age.
  • Your full retirement age is 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, and claiming at that age gives you your standard benefit amount.
  • Delaying your claim past full retirement age increases your monthly payment by about 8 percent per year until you turn 70.
  • If you claim before full retirement age and continue working, Social Security may reduce your payments if your earnings exceed a yearly limit.
  • You can change your claim decision within a limited window, but the rules for doing so depend on how long ago you claimed.

How your birth year determines your full retirement age

The Social Security Administration sets a different full retirement age for each birth cohort. If you were born in 1954 or earlier, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1959, it increases by two months for each year of birth. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

You can find your exact full retirement age on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Knowing this number matters because it is the threshold where your benefit stops being reduced for early claiming and starts being increased for delayed claiming.

What happens if you claim before full retirement age

Claiming at 62 instead of your full retirement age reduces your monthly benefit by roughly 25 to 30 percent, depending on your exact birth year. This reduction is permanent — even after you reach full retirement age, your payment stays at the reduced amount. The Social Security Administration calculates the reduction using a formula that penalizes each month you claim early.

If you claim before full retirement age and you are still working, Social Security has an earnings test. For 2024, if you earn more than $23,400 per year, the program reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. This earnings test applies only until you reach full retirement age; after that, you can earn any amount without a reduction. The earnings limit changes each year.

What happens if you delay past full retirement age

For each year you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8 percent per year. This increase continues until you turn 70. If your full retirement age is 67 and you wait until 70, your monthly payment will be roughly 24 percent higher than your full retirement age amount.

Delaying makes the most financial sense if you expect to live well into your 80s or 90s. The longer you live, the more total money you receive over your lifetime by waiting. However, if you have health reasons to believe your life expectancy is shorter, claiming earlier may result in more total payments. There is no penalty for claiming at any age — the program simply adjusts your monthly amount based on when you start.

Spousal and survivor benefits have different age rules

If you are married, you may be able to claim a benefit based on your spouse's work record. The rules for spousal benefits are different from retirement benefits. You can claim a spousal benefit as early as age 62, but the reduction is steeper — roughly 32 to 35 percent lower than your full spousal benefit amount. Your full spousal benefit age is typically 66 or 67, the same as your retirement benefit full age.

If your spouse has died, you may be able to claim survivor benefits. Widow or widower benefits can start as early as age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled. Children of a deceased worker can claim until age 19 (or 23 if in high school). These benefits also have different reduction amounts depending on the age you claim.

How to change your claim decision

If you claimed Social Security before full retirement age and now regret the decision, you have limited options. If you claimed within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your application and repay all benefits received. This resets your claim, and you can file again later at a higher benefit amount. You must repay the full amount, including any benefits your family members received based on your record.

If more than 12 months have passed since you claimed, you cannot withdraw your application. However, you can suspend your benefits once you reach full retirement age and let them grow until age 70. During the suspension period, you receive no payments, but your benefit amount increases by 8 percent per year. This option is available only if you have reached full retirement age.

Working with the Social Security Administration to claim

You can start the claiming process online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online claiming is the fastest option for most people and takes about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information for direct deposit.

The Social Security Administration typically processes claims within two weeks if you apply online. If you apply by phone or in person, processing may take longer. You do not have to claim on your birthday — you can claim any time during the month you turn the age you want to start benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Social Security while I am still working full-time?

Yes, but if you claim before full retirement age and earn more than the yearly limit, Social Security will reduce your payments. For 2024, the limit is $23,400 per year. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn any amount without a reduction to your benefit.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still claim Social Security if you have a valid Social Security number and have worked long enough in the United States to earn credits. You will need to provide proof of legal residency or citizenship. Contact the Social Security Administration directly to learn what documents you need to bring.

Does claiming Social Security affect my Medicare?

No. You become may be able to access for Medicare at 65 regardless of whether you claim Social Security. However, if you do not claim Social Security by 65, you should still sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment window to avoid late penalties.

Can I claim if I have never worked?

No. You must have earned at least 40 work credits, which typically means working for at least 10 years. However, you may be able to claim a spousal or survivor benefit based on someone else's work record, even if you have never worked yourself.

What happens to my benefits if I move to another country?

You can receive Social Security payments while living in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions. Contact the Social Security Administration before you move to learn whether your benefits will continue and what steps you need to take.