When you can start collecting Social Security

You can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the amount you receive depends on when you claim. The Social Security Administration calls your full retirement age the point at which you receive your full benefit amount — this age ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year. If you claim before full retirement age, your monthly payment will be permanently reduced. If you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70.

Most people do not have to claim at any particular time. You can work as long as you want and claim whenever it makes sense for your situation. The decision depends on your health, how much longer you plan to work, and whether you need the income now.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age or beyond.
  • 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 online.
  • You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years to receive retirement benefits on your own record.
  • You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • The process typically takes two to four weeks if you explore online, longer if you explore by phone or mail.

What you need before you start

Before you contact Social Security, gather your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You will also need your most recent tax return or W-2 form to verify your work history. If you are married or were previously married, have that information available as well — you may be able to receive benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record.

Check your Social Security statement to see your estimated benefit amount and confirm your work history is correct. You can view your statement anytime at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. This account also lets you see your earnings record and make sure Social Security has credited all your work years correctly. If you spot an error, report it right away — corrections become harder the longer you wait.

How to start the process online

The fastest way to begin is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in or create an account, then look for the option to "Request Retirement Benefits." You will answer questions about your work history, living situation, and whether you have ever received benefits before. The form takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

After you submit, Social Security will send you a notice within two to four weeks. If they need more information, they will tell you what documents to send. Once approved, your first payment arrives by direct deposit or debit card — Social Security no longer mails checks. You can choose which day of the month works best for your bank account.

If you run into trouble with the online form or do not have internet access, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.

explore by phone or in person

You can also call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone or schedule you to visit your local Social Security office. In-person appointments often move faster than phone calls, especially if you have documents to show.

To find your local office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. You can also call the main number and ask for the address and hours. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are explore based on a spouse's record, bring their Social Security number and birth certificate as well.

What happens after you claim

Once Social Security approves your claim, your benefits start the month after you request them — you cannot receive payment for the month you explore. Your first payment may be smaller than expected because it covers only part of that first month. After that, you receive your full monthly amount.

Social Security will send you a notice each year showing your benefit amount and any changes. Keep this notice in a safe place. If your situation changes — you move, your bank account closes, or you return to work — tell Social Security right away. You can update your information through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

How your benefit amount is calculated

Social Security bases your benefit on your 35 highest-earning years of work. If you worked fewer than 35 years, they count zero-earning years, which lowers your average. The amount also depends on when you claim: claiming at 62 gives you about 70 percent of your full retirement age benefit, while waiting until 70 gives you about 124 percent.

You can see your estimated benefit amounts at different claiming ages on your Social Security statement. These estimates assume you continue working at your current rate until you claim. If you plan to stop working soon, your actual benefit may be slightly different. Social Security will recalculate your benefit if you continue working after you start receiving payments.

Working while you collect Social Security

You can work and collect Social Security at the same time, but there are limits before your full retirement age. In 2024, if you claim before full retirement age and earn more than $23,400 per year, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above that amount. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit — you can earn as much as you want without affecting your benefit.

If you are still working and thinking about when to claim, remember that continuing to work may increase your benefit. Social Security recalculates your benefit each year to include your most recent earnings, so working longer can replace a lower-earning year in their calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I start collecting?

Yes, but only within limits. If you claimed within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later at a higher benefit amount. You must repay all benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at full retirement age or later to let them grow — this is different from withdrawing and does not require repayment.

What if I was married more than once?

You may be able to receive benefits on more than one ex-spouse's record if each marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are at least 62. Social Security will pay you on whichever record gives you the highest benefit. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and it does not affect their benefits.

Do I have to claim at my full retirement age?

No. You can claim anytime between 62 and 70. Claiming earlier means smaller monthly payments for life. Claiming later means larger monthly payments. There is no single "right" age — it depends on your health, how long you expect to live, and whether you need the money now.

What documents do I need if I was born outside the United States?

You will need your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and a government-issued photo ID. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals plus certified English translations. Social Security can tell you which documents they accept — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask before you visit an office.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If you explore online, Social Security typically processes your claim within two to four weeks. Phone and in-person applications may take longer. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit or debit card in the month after your claim is approved. The first payment may be partial because it covers only the days from your claim date to the end of that month.