The earliest you can claim Social Security is age 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait

You can begin Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. However, the Social Security Administration reduces your monthly payment if you claim before your full retirement age — the age at which you receive your complete benefit amount. The reduction is permanent, even after you reach full retirement age.

Your full retirement age depends on the year you were born. If you were born in 1943 or later, your full retirement age is between 66 and 67. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. You can also delay claiming past your full retirement age and receive a larger monthly payment — up to age 70, when the increase stops.

The choice between claiming early, at full retirement age, or later is a personal one that depends on your health, finances, and life circumstances. There is no single "right" age to claim.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be reduced by roughly 25 to 30 percent compared to your full retirement age amount.
  • Your full retirement age is 66 or 67, depending on your birth year, and is when you receive your complete benefit amount.
  • Delaying your claim past full retirement age increases your monthly payment by about 8 percent per year, up to age 70.
  • If you continue working while claiming Social Security before full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed a yearly limit.
  • You can view your estimated benefits and full retirement age on your Social Security account at ssa.gov.

How your birth year determines your full retirement age

The Social Security Administration uses a table based on your birth year to calculate your full retirement age. For people born between 1943 and 1954, full retirement age is 66. For those born between 1955 and 1960, it increases gradually — for example, if you were born in 1957, your full retirement age is 66 and 6 months. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

You can find your exact full retirement age by visiting ssa.gov and using their retirement age calculator, or by creating a my Social Security account online. Your Social Security statement will also list your full retirement age.

What happens if you claim at 62

Claiming at 62 gives you the lowest monthly payment but allows you to start receiving benefits when ready. The reduction is roughly 25 to 30 percent less than your full retirement age amount, depending on your exact birth date. For example, if your full retirement age benefit would be $1,000 per month, claiming at 62 might reduce it to around $700.

This choice makes sense for some people — those in poor health, those who need the income now, or those who have limited savings. It also makes sense if you plan to continue working, because you need to know about the earnings limit (see below).

The earnings limit if you work while claiming early

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 yearly limit. In 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year, but it changes each year. For every $2 you earn above the limit, Social Security withholds $1 from your benefits.

Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit — you can work and earn as much as you want without any reduction to your benefits. This is one reason some people choose to wait: if they plan to keep working, waiting until full retirement age protects their monthly payment.

Waiting until full retirement age or beyond

If you wait until your full retirement age to claim, you receive your complete benefit amount with no reduction. If you delay past your full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by roughly 8 percent per year. This increase continues until age 70, when it stops. At 70, there is no financial advantage to waiting any longer.

Waiting is often the better choice if you are in good health, have other income or savings to live on, and expect to live into your mid-80s or beyond. The larger monthly payment can add up over time, especially if you live a long life. You can also continue working without any earnings limit once you reach full retirement age.

How to view your estimated benefits

The Social Security Administration provides a free estimate of your benefits at different claiming ages. To see your estimate, create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or passport number.

Once you log in, you can view your earnings history, your full retirement age, and your estimated monthly benefit at ages 62, full retirement age, and 70. This tool helps you compare the long-term value of claiming at different ages. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative, though wait times are often long.

Special situations: Government pensions and divorced spouses

If you worked for a federal, state, or local government and did not pay Social Security taxes, you may be subject to the Government Pension Offset or the Windfall Elimination Provision. These rules can reduce your Social Security benefit or your spouse's benefit. The rules are complex and depend on your specific work history.

If you are divorced, you may be able to claim benefits on your ex-spouse's record if you were married for at least 10 years and are at least 62 years old. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and claiming on their record does not reduce their benefits. This option is worth exploring if your ex-spouse's earnings history is higher than yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only within limits. If you claimed within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and repay the benefits you received. This resets your claim and allows you to claim again at a later age with a higher payment. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefits at full retirement age and let them grow until age 70.

What if I die before I reach full retirement age?

Your family members may be able to receive survivor benefits based on your earnings record. Your spouse, children, and parents may all be may be able to access. The total amount your family can receive is limited, but it does not depend on when you would have claimed. Contact Social Security to learn what your family might receive.

Does my health affect when I should claim?

Your health is one factor to consider. If you have a serious illness or family history of early death, claiming at 62 may make sense because you may not live long enough to benefit from the larger payment at a later age. If you are in good health, waiting usually results in more total benefits over your lifetime.

Can I work part-time and still claim Social Security at 62?

Yes, but if your earnings exceed the yearly limit (currently $23,400), Social Security will reduce your benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work as much as you want without any reduction. Many people choose to wait until full retirement age for this reason.

What if I was born on January 1st — which year's rules explore to me?

If you were born on January 1st, Social Security considers you born in the previous year for benefit calculation purposes. For example, if you were born on January 1, 1943, you are treated as born in 1942. Contact Social Security or check your my Social Security account to confirm your exact full retirement age.