You can start Social Security at 62, but the age you choose affects how much you receive each month
Social Security payments begin only when you file — the government does not automatically send you money when you turn 62 or reach full retirement age. You must contact Social Security directly to start the process. The earliest you can file is age 62, but if you wait until your full retirement age (between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year) or until 70, your monthly payment will be significantly larger. The choice between filing early, at full retirement age, or delaying is permanent, so understanding the trade-offs matters.
Most people file between ages 62 and 70. Filing at 62 means smaller monthly payments for a longer period. Filing at your full retirement age gives you the standard benefit amount. Filing at 70 gives you the largest monthly payment, but you receive fewer total payments over your lifetime — this trade-off favors people who expect to live into their mid-80s or beyond.
Key Takeaways
- You must file with Social Security to start receiving payments; the government will not contact you automatically.
- You can file as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be reduced if you file before your full retirement age.
- Filing at age 70 gives you the largest monthly payment, but you receive fewer payments overall in your lifetime.
- You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, 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 returns to file.
The three main filing ages and how they affect your payment
Your full retirement age is when Social Security considers you may be able to access for your standard benefit amount. This age depends on your birth year: if you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66; if you were born between 1955 and 1960, it ranges from 66 and 2 months to 66 and 10 months; if you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. You can look up your exact full retirement age on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you file at 62, your monthly payment will be roughly 30 percent lower than your full retirement age benefit. This reduction is permanent — you will receive this smaller amount for the rest of your life. However, you start collecting payments 4 to 8 years earlier, depending on your full retirement age. This path makes sense if you need the money now, have health reasons to expect a shorter lifespan, or have already stopped working.
If you file at your full retirement age, you receive your standard benefit amount with no reduction. This is the middle ground: you get your full benefit without waiting, but you do not get the bonus that comes with delaying.
If you file at 70, your monthly payment will be roughly 24 to 32 percent higher than your full retirement age benefit, depending on your birth year. This increase is also permanent. You receive fewer total payments over your lifetime, but each one is substantially larger. This path makes sense if you are still working and earning good income, have a family history of longevity, or want to maximize the benefit your surviving spouse or ex-spouse can receive.
How to file: online, by phone, or in person
The fastest way to file is online at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can save your progress and return later. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and information about your work history. Social Security will contact you if they need additional documents.
You can also file by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone and tell you what documents to send afterward.
If you prefer to file in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Walk-in service is available, but appointments are faster — you can schedule one online or by phone.
Documents you will need to have ready
Social Security requires proof of your identity and work history. Bring or have available your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents showing your legal residency or citizenship status.
You will also need proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Bring your most recent W-2 forms or tax returns (the last two years is standard) so Social Security can verify your earnings record. If you are self-employed, bring your tax returns for the past two years.
If you are married and your spouse will be filing on your record, bring their birth certificate and Social Security number as well. If you are divorced and plan to file on an ex-spouse's record, bring your divorce decree and proof of the marriage.
What happens after you file
Social Security will review your process and contact you if they need more information. This review usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Once approved, your first payment arrives the month after you file (or the month after your filing age, whichever is later). Payments are deposited directly into your bank account — you cannot receive them by check or mail.
Before your first payment arrives, Social Security will send you a notice showing your monthly benefit amount, your full retirement age, and your payment date. Check this notice carefully. If the benefit amount seems wrong, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your earnings record — errors in recorded earnings can reduce your benefit.
Your payments continue for life, and they increase each year with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment varies year to year and is announced in October for the following year. You do not need to do anything to receive the increase; it happens automatically.
Special situations: working while receiving Social Security, divorced spouses, and survivor benefits
If you file before your full retirement age and continue working, Social Security will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit. In 2024, this limit is $23,400, but it changes each year. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit — you can work and receive your full benefit with no reduction.
If you are divorced and were married for at least 10 years, you may be able to file on your ex-spouse's record even if they have not filed yet (as long as they are at least 62). Your benefit on their record is up to 50 percent of their full retirement age benefit. This does not reduce their benefit or your ex-spouse's benefit — it is a separate payment to you. You can file on your own record and switch to your ex-spouse's record later, or vice versa, depending on your age and situation.
If you are a widow, widower, or surviving ex-spouse, you can file for survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled). Survivor benefits are based on the deceased person's earnings record. A surviving spouse at full retirement age receives up to 100 percent of what the deceased person was receiving or may have access to to receive. Unmarried children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) also receive benefits based on the deceased parent's record.
When to contact Social Security after you start receiving benefits
Contact Social Security if your address or phone number changes, if you get married or divorced, if you return to work after filing, or if you move outside the United States. You can report changes online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office.
If you believe your benefit amount is wrong, ask Social Security to review your earnings record. Errors in recorded earnings are not uncommon, especially for self-employed people or those who worked under different names. Correcting your record can increase your benefit retroactively.
If you filed at 62 and later decide you want to delay and receive a larger benefit, you can withdraw your process within 12 months of filing and repay what you received. This resets your filing date, and you can file again later at a higher benefit amount. This option is available only once and only within the 12-month window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for Social Security before I stop working?
Yes. You do not have to be retired to file for Social Security. However, if you file before your full retirement age and earn above the annual limit, your benefit will be reduced. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can work and receive your full benefit with no earnings limit.
What if I made a mistake on my process?
Contact Social Security as soon as possible at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Most errors can be corrected, especially if caught early. If you filed online, you can also log into your account at ssa.gov to review what you submitted.
How do I know if my earnings record is correct?
Create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your earnings record online. You can see what Social Security has recorded for each year you worked. If you spot an error, contact Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred to request a correction.
Can I change my filing age after I start receiving benefits?
You can withdraw your process and repay your benefits within 12 months of filing, which resets your filing date. After 12 months, you cannot change your filing age. This is why the choice between filing at 62, full retirement age, or 70 is important — it is difficult to undo.
What if I am still working and turn 62 — do I have to file?
No. You can continue working and delay filing until any age up to 70. Delaying increases your monthly benefit. There is no penalty for waiting, and no requirement to file at any particular age.