You can start collecting Social Security at age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait

You become may be able to access to collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. However, the age you choose to start affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life. If you claim at 62, your payment will be roughly 30 percent less than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67, depending on your birth year). If you delay until age 70, your payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you wait past your full retirement age.

The decision about when to start is personal and depends on your health, how long you expect to live, whether you still work, and whether you need the money now. There is no single "right" age — only the age that makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start collecting Social Security at 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 your birth year, and you can find yours on your Social Security statement or at ssa.gov.
  • If you claim before your full retirement age and still work, Social Security will reduce your payment if your earnings exceed a yearly limit (currently around $23,400, but this changes annually).
  • You start the process by contacting Social Security directly — by phone at 1-800-772-1213, online at ssa.gov, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your W-2 forms or tax return to complete your claim.

Understanding your full retirement age and payment amounts

Social Security calculates your benefit based on your earnings history and the age you claim. Your full retirement age is the age at which you can receive your full benefit amount with no reduction. For people born in 1943 or later, this age ranges from 66 to 67. You can find your exact full retirement age on your Social Security statement, which you can view anytime at ssa.gov by creating a "my Social Security" account.

If you claim at 62, you receive about 70 percent of your full benefit. If you claim at your full retirement age, you receive 100 percent. If you delay until 70, you receive about 124 percent. The difference compounds over time — someone who waits until 70 will eventually receive more total money over their lifetime than someone who claimed at 62, but only if they live long enough. The break-even point is typically around age 80 or 81.

How the earnings limit affects early claims

If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age and continue to work, Social Security will reduce your benefit if your work income exceeds a yearly limit. For 2024, that limit is approximately $23,400 per year, though this amount increases each year. For every two dollars you earn above the limit, Social Security deducts one dollar from your benefit.

This reduction stops once you reach your full retirement age. After that month, you can earn as much as you want with no impact on your Social Security payment. This is an important distinction: the earnings limit applies only to people who claim before their full retirement age, and it ends the month you reach that age.

If you are still working and considering claiming early, ask yourself whether the reduced benefit is worth it. Many people find that waiting a few more years makes more financial sense if they can afford to.

The steps to start your claim

You can start your Social Security claim in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is often the fastest option if you have a "my Social Security" account set up already. The phone line has wait times, especially early in the week, but representatives can walk you through the entire process.

When you contact Social Security, have the following documents ready: your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or naturalization papers), and your most recent W-2 form or tax return. If you are married, you may also need your marriage certificate. Social Security will ask detailed questions about your work history, living situation, and any dependents.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you do it online or by phone. If you explore in person, bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. Social Security will review your claim and notify you of the decision within two to four weeks.

What happens after you submit your claim

Once you submit your claim, Social Security verifies your information and calculates your benefit amount. You will receive a notice in the mail showing your monthly payment, the date your benefits begin, and how to set up direct deposit. Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive your payment — it goes into your bank account on the same day each month, usually the third, fourth, or fifth, depending on your birth date.

Your first payment may take one to two months to arrive after your claim is approved. If you claimed online or by phone, you can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your "my Social Security" account. If you applied in person, Social Security will call or mail you updates.

Once you start receiving benefits, Social Security sends you a benefit statement each year showing your payment amount and any changes. Review this statement carefully to make sure the amount is correct.

Special situations: married, divorced, or widowed

If you are married, you may be able to claim a spousal benefit based on your spouse's earnings record if that amount is higher than your own benefit. You can claim a spousal benefit as early as age 62, but it will be reduced. Your spouse does not have to be retired yet for you to claim on their record, though they must be at least 62.

If you are divorced, you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's record if you were married for at least 10 years, you are at least 62, and you are not currently married. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and claiming on their record does not reduce their benefit.

If you are widowed, you can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled). Widowed parents caring for a child under 16 can claim at any age. These benefits are calculated differently than retirement benefits and may be higher than what you would receive on your own record.

Questions to ask your doctor and Social Security

Before you decide when to claim, talk with your doctor about your overall health and life expectancy. This is not a medical prediction, but a conversation about whether you have chronic conditions that might affect your lifespan. This information can help you make a more informed decision about claiming age.

When you contact Social Security, ask: What is my exact full retirement age? What will my monthly payment be if I claim now versus at my full retirement age versus at 70? If I am still working, how will my earnings affect my benefit? Can I change my mind after I claim? (The answer is yes, but only within specific time limits.) Do I have any dependents who might be able to claim on my record?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I start collecting Social Security?

Yes, but only within limits. If you claimed within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later at a higher age. You must repay all benefits you received, including any dependents' benefits. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at your full retirement age and let them grow until 70 — though this is rarely the best choice.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still collect Social Security if you are a U.S. citizen or have a valid visa. If you are not a citizen, you must have been a permanent resident for at least five years. Bring your passport, visa, or green card when you explore. Some non-citizens may face restrictions on collecting benefits while outside the U.S., so ask Social Security about your specific situation.

Will my Social Security benefit be taxed?

It depends on your total income. If your combined income (Social Security plus other income) exceeds certain thresholds, up to 85 percent of your benefit may be subject to federal income tax. State taxes vary. Ask a tax professional or Social Security for an estimate based on your expected income in retirement.

What if I never worked enough to earn Social Security?

You need at least 40 work credits to collect retirement benefits on your own record. One credit is earned for roughly $1,730 in wages per year (this amount changes annually). If you do not have 40 credits, you may still be able to claim a spousal or survivor benefit if you are married, divorced, or widowed and meet the other requirements.

How do I know if my Social Security statement is correct?

Log into your "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov and review your earnings history. Check that all your employers and wages are listed correctly. If you see an error, contact Social Security right away — mistakes can lower your benefit. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to report errors or request a corrected statement.