When Can I Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

Complete Age and Eligibility Guide: How Early Filing at 62, Full Retirement Age (66-67), or Delayed Benefits Until 70 Affects Your Monthly Payment Amount and Work Credits Required.

Author

Carrie Brenner
May 09, 2025

Quick Take - The Brief

  • You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62.

  • Full Retirement Age (FRA) is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.

  • Starting benefits before FRA reduces your monthly payment; waiting increases it.

  • You must have enough work credits (usually 10 years of work).

  • Applying is required-benefits do not start automatically.

Why It Matters

Knowing when you can claim Social Security helps you plan for a secure retirement. The age you choose to start benefits affects your monthly income for life, so understanding your options is crucial for your financial well-being.

Deep Dive - The Beyond

Eligibility: Who Can Receive Benefits and When?

Minimum Age: You can apply for retirement benefits once you reach age 62, but you must be 62 for the entire month to qualify. For most, this means benefits start the month after your 62nd birthday.

Work Credits: You need at least 40 Social Security work credits, which usually equals about 10 years of work in jobs covered by Social Security taxes.

Full Retirement Age (FRA):

  • If you were born between 1943 and 1954, FRA is 66.

  • If you were born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67.

  • For those born between these years, FRA increases gradually by two months each year.

How Your Starting Age Affects Your Benefit

Age You Start Benefits

Monthly Benefit Amount

62 (Earliest)

Reduced by up to 30%

FRA (66–67)

Full benefit (100%)

After FRA (up to 70)

Increased by up to 8% per year

  • Starting Early: If you claim at 62, your benefit is permanently reduced. For example, if your FRA is 67 and you start at 62, your monthly benefit will be about 70% of your full amount.

  • Waiting Past FRA: For every year you delay after FRA (up to age 70), your benefit increases by about 8% per year. After age 70, there’s no further increase for waiting.

Other Types of Social Security Benefits

  • Spousal Benefits: Spouses can claim as early as age 62, but the same reduction rules apply if claimed before FRA.

  • Survivor Benefits: Widows and widowers can claim as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled), with reductions for early filing.

  • Disability Benefits: If you become disabled before reaching FRA, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at any age, provided you meet work and medical requirements.

The Application Process

  • You must apply: Social Security benefits do not start automatically.

  • How to apply: You can apply online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

  • When to apply: It’s recommended to apply about three months before you want your benefits to begin.

Earnings Limits If You Work While Receiving Benefits

  • If you start benefits before FRA and continue working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits. Once you reach FRA, you can earn any amount without affecting your benefits.

Expert Tip:

Delaying benefits, even by a year or two, can significantly boost your monthly income for life. Consider your health, financial needs, and whether you plan to keep working when deciding when to start.

Readers Toolbox

Official Resources:

Downloadable Guides:

Need help?

Senior centers and community organizations often provide free assistance with Social Security questions.

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In-Depth Extras: Real-Life Story

Mary, age 62, considered taking benefits immediately but decided to wait until 67 after reviewing her estimated payments.

❝

Waiting meant a tighter budget now, but I feel more secure knowing my monthly check will be higher for the rest of my life.

Mary, Age 62

Community Corner

Have you started your Social Security benefits, or are you deciding when to claim?

Share your experiences, questions, or tips below. Your story could help others make the best choice for their retirement!

References:

  1. Social Security Administration. Retirement Benefits. Accessed May 4, 2025. www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement

  2. Matthews, Joseph L. Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits. NOLO, 30th Edition, 2025.

  3. Stanley A. Tomkiel III. The Social Security Benefits Handbook, 4th Edition. Sphinx Publishing, 2004.

  4. Social Security Administration. How to Apply for Retirement Benefits. Accessed May 4, 2025. www.ssa.gov/retire