The Basic Age and Work History Requirements

You can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, but the amount you receive depends on when you claim. If you wait until your full retirement age — which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year — you receive your full benefit amount. If you wait until 70, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you delay.

To receive any Social Security retirement benefit, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). The Social Security Administration counts a quarter for each three-month period in which you earned at least a certain minimum amount — that minimum changes each year. If you worked for a government employer and did not pay Social Security taxes, different rules may explore to you.

You do not need to be retired to claim benefits. You can still work and receive Social Security, though if you claim before your full retirement age and earn above a certain amount, your benefits will be temporarily reduced. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently lower than if you wait until your full retirement age.
  • You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years to receive retirement benefits.
  • Your full retirement age is 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, and waiting until age 70 increases your monthly benefit by about 8 percent per year of delay.
  • If you earned income before age 62 and did not pay Social Security taxes — for example, as a government employee — you may be subject to different rules called the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision.

How Your Birth Year Determines Your Full Retirement Age

The year you were born determines when you reach full retirement age for Social Security purposes. People born in 1943 through 1954 have a full retirement age of 66. For those born between 1955 and 1960, the age gradually increases by two months for each birth year. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

You can find your exact full retirement age on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Knowing this number matters because it affects not only your own benefit amount but also the benefits your spouse or children may receive based on your work record.

Disability and Survivor Benefits Have Different Rules

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is separate from retirement benefits and has no age requirement. You can receive SSDI at any age if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You still need the 10-year work history, though the exact requirement depends on your age when you become disabled.

Survivor benefits also have no age limit. If you die, your spouse, children, and dependent parents may receive benefits based on your work record, regardless of their age. A surviving spouse can receive benefits as early as age 50 if they are caring for your child under age 16, or at age 60 without that condition.

Spousal and Family Benefits Based on Your Record

If you are married, your spouse may be able to receive a benefit based on your work record even if they did not work enough to earn their own. A spouse can claim at age 62 or at their full retirement age, depending on the benefit amount they want. If your spouse waits until their full retirement age, they can receive up to 50 percent of your full retirement benefit.

Your unmarried children under age 19 (or up to age 19 if they are in high school full-time) can also receive benefits based on your record. A child who became disabled before age 22 can receive benefits for life, regardless of current age. The total amount paid to your family members cannot exceed about 150 to 180 percent of your own full retirement benefit, so individual family member payments are reduced if the total would exceed this cap.

Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision

If you receive a pension from work where you did not pay Social Security taxes — typically government employment — two rules may reduce your Social Security benefit. The Windfall Elimination Provision reduces your own retirement or disability benefit. The Government Pension Offset reduces any spousal or survivor benefit you would receive based on someone else's work record.

These rules do not eliminate your benefit entirely, but they can reduce it significantly. If you worked for a government employer, the Social Security Administration can tell you how these rules affect your specific situation. You can contact them at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to learn more about how your government pension interacts with Social Security.

How to Check Your Work History and Earnings Record

Before you claim, it is worth checking that Social Security has an accurate record of your earnings. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings history, see an estimate of your future benefits at different claiming ages, and track your progress toward the 10-year work requirement.

If you find errors in your earnings record, you can report them to Social Security. The agency can correct mistakes if you report them within a certain timeframe and provide supporting documents like tax returns or W-2 forms. Fixing errors now can mean a higher benefit later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Social Security if I never worked?

No, you need at least 10 years of work history where you paid Social Security taxes. However, if you are married or were married, you may be able to receive a spousal or ex-spouse benefit based on your spouse's work record, even if you never worked yourself.

What happens if I claim at 62 instead of waiting until 67?

Your monthly benefit will be permanently lower — roughly 30 percent less than your full retirement age amount. This reduction stays in place for the rest of your life, even after you reach your full retirement age. The trade-off is that you receive payments for more years overall.

Can I work and collect Social Security at the same time?

Yes, but if you claim before your full retirement age and earn above a certain amount (which changes yearly), your benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction to your benefits.

Do I lose my benefits if I move out of the United States?

Generally, you can receive Social Security while living abroad, though some countries have restrictions. You should notify Social Security before you move. Citizens of certain countries may face additional requirements, so contact the Social Security Administration before relocating.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still receive Social Security if you worked in the U.S. and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. If you are not a citizen, you may need to meet additional requirements, so contact Social Security directly to discuss your situation.