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

You can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. However, the longer you wait to claim, the larger your monthly payment will be. If you claim at 62, your benefit is reduced by roughly 30 percent compared to what you would receive at your full retirement age. The reduction is permanent — it applies to every payment you receive for the rest of your life.

Your full retirement age — the age at which you receive your complete benefit amount — depends on the year you were born. For people born in 1943 through 1954, full retirement age is 66. For those born in 1955, it is 66 and two months. The age continues to increase by two months for each birth year until it reaches 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. You can find your exact full retirement age on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced.
  • Your full retirement age — when you receive your complete benefit amount — ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year.
  • If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70.
  • The Social Security Administration can tell you your exact benefit amount at any claiming age if you create a my Social Security account online.

How waiting longer increases your monthly payment

For every year you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your benefit grows by roughly 8 percent per year. This increase stops at age 70, so there is no financial advantage to waiting beyond that point. For example, if your full retirement age is 66 and your full benefit would be $1,500 per month, waiting until age 70 would increase that to roughly $1,980 per month.

This trade-off — a smaller monthly payment now versus a larger one later — is one of the most important decisions you will make about Social Security. The choice depends partly on your health, family history, and how long you expect to live. It also depends on whether you need the money now or can afford to wait. Neither choice is wrong; the right choice is the one that fits your situation.

What happens if you work while collecting Social Security before full retirement age

If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age and continue to work, Social Security will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain amount. In 2024, that earnings limit is $23,400 per year, but this amount changes annually. The reduction applies only to the year you earn more than the limit — it does not affect your benefit permanently.

Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your Social Security benefit. This is an important distinction: the earnings limit only applies to people who have not yet reached full retirement age.

How to find out your benefit amount at different ages

The Social Security Administration offers a free online tool called my Social Security. You can create an account at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and get an estimate of your benefit at age 62, your full retirement age, and age 70. This estimate is based on your actual work history and is more accurate than a general calculator.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a benefit estimate by mail. The process takes about two weeks. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though wait times vary by location.

Special rules for people born in 1943 or earlier

If you were born in 1943 or earlier, you may be able to claim a higher benefit amount under rules that are no longer available to younger workers. These include the ability to claim a reduced benefit at full retirement age and then switch to a higher benefit later, or to claim a spousal benefit while letting your own benefit grow. These strategies are called "deemed filing" exceptions and have specific age and birth year requirements.

Because these rules are complex and the financial difference can be substantial, it is worth speaking directly with Social Security before you claim. You can ask about these options when you call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

How marriage, divorce, and family status affect your claiming age

If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you may be able to claim benefits based on your spouse's or ex-spouse's work record in addition to your own. The rules for when you can claim these benefits differ from the rules for your own retirement benefit. For example, you may be able to claim a spousal benefit at 62 even if your spouse has not yet claimed, depending on your birth year.

If you are widowed, you can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled). These ages are different from the retirement benefit ages and have their own set of rules about how much you receive and how your benefit changes if you work.

What to consider when deciding when to claim

Deciding when to claim Social Security is a personal choice that depends on several factors. If you are in good health and expect to live into your 80s or beyond, waiting until 70 may result in a larger total benefit over your lifetime. If you have health concerns or a family history of shorter lifespans, claiming earlier may make sense. If you need the money now to cover living expenses, claiming at 62 is a valid choice even if your monthly payment is smaller.

Your employment situation also matters. If you plan to keep working past 62, claiming early may trigger the earnings limit and reduce your benefit. If you are retired or plan to retire soon, you have more flexibility to choose based on longevity and total lifetime benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What is the difference between full retirement age and Medicare age?

Full retirement age for Social Security and may be able to access age for Medicare are separate. You become may be able to access for Medicare at 65, regardless of your Social Security full retirement age. You can claim Social Security as early as 62 and Medicare at 65, or you can delay both. The ages are not linked.

Do I have to claim Social Security at my full retirement age?

No. You can claim anytime between 62 and 70. Claiming before full retirement age means a smaller monthly payment. Claiming after full retirement age means a larger monthly payment. You can also choose not to claim at all, though benefits do not grow past age 70.

Will my benefit change if I move to another country?

You can receive Social Security benefits while living outside the United States in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions, and your benefit may be affected if you are not a U.S. citizen. Contact Social Security before you move to confirm your benefits will continue.

How do I know if my earnings record is correct?

You can review your earnings record in your my Social Security account online or request a paper copy by mail. Check it for missing or incorrectly reported earnings, especially from early in your career. If you find an error, contact Social Security with documentation like W-2 forms or tax returns to correct it.