The earliest and latest ages to claim Social Security

You can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently smaller than if you wait. 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 delay past full retirement age, your payment grows by about 8% per year until age 70, when growth stops.

The Social Security Administration does not require you to claim at any particular age. You choose when to start, and that choice affects how much you receive each month for the rest of your life. There is no "best" age for everyone — it depends on your health, how long you expect to live, whether you are still working, and whether you need the money now.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be about 30% lower than your full retirement age amount.
  • Your full retirement age is 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, and claiming at that age gives you your standard benefit amount.
  • Waiting until age 70 increases your monthly payment by roughly 24% more than your full retirement age amount, but you receive fewer total payments over your lifetime.
  • If you claim before full retirement age and continue working, Social Security may reduce your payments if your earnings exceed a yearly limit.
  • You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years to receive retirement benefits on your own record.

How your birth year determines your full retirement age

The Social Security Administration raised the full retirement age gradually starting in 1983. If you were born in 1943 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65. For those born between 1943 and 1954, it increases by two months for each birth year. If you were born in 1955, your full retirement age is 66 and two months; if born in 1960 or later, it is 67.

You can find your exact full retirement age on your Social Security statement, which you can view online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. The statement also shows your estimated benefit at full retirement age, at age 62, and at age 70. These estimates assume you continue working at your current pace until you claim.

What happens if you claim at 62

Claiming at 62 gives you the lowest monthly payment but the most total payments over time — if you live into your mid-80s or beyond, waiting usually pays more. The reduction from your full retirement age amount is permanent and does not increase later. For someone with a full retirement age of 67, claiming at 62 means a roughly 30% reduction in the monthly amount.

If you claim before full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount from work, Social Security withholds $1 from your benefit for every $2 you earn above the limit. In 2024, that limit is $23,400 per year, though the limit changes yearly. This withholding stops once you reach full retirement age, even if you continue working. The withheld payments are not lost — Social Security recalculates your benefit at full retirement age to account for the months you did not receive payments.

What happens if you wait until full retirement age or beyond

Claiming at your full retirement age means you receive your standard benefit amount with no reduction, and there is no earnings limit — you can work and earn as much as you want without affecting your payments. This is the break-even point where the higher monthly amount starts to outweigh the fewer total payments you will receive.

If you delay past full retirement age, your benefit grows by roughly 8% per year. At age 70, your payment is about 24% higher than your full retirement age amount. Growth stops at 70, so there is no financial reason to delay past that age. Some people delay to let their benefit grow, to reduce their taxable income in early retirement, or because they are still working and do not need the money yet.

Spousal and survivor benefits have different age rules

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. A surviving spouse can claim as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled). A spouse who is caring for a child under 16 can claim at any age. A divorced person can claim on an ex-spouse's record at 62 if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, even if the ex has not yet claimed.

These benefits also have full retirement ages and reduction amounts. A widow or widower receives their full survivor benefit at full retirement age, but can claim a reduced amount as early as age 60. The rules are complex and vary by situation, so reviewing your options with the Social Security Administration before you claim can reveal payments you did not know about.

How to claim and what documents you need

You can claim Social Security online at ssa.gov by signing into your my Social Security account and selecting "Retirement benefits" under "What can I do?" You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in person. The online process is usually fastest and you can complete it from home.

You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID. If you are claiming spousal or survivor benefits, you will also need your marriage certificate or divorce decree. Have these documents ready before you start, though you can upload them later if you do not have them when ready. Social Security will tell you what is missing and how to send it.

Common mistakes to avoid when claiming

One frequent mistake is claiming at 62 without understanding the permanent reduction. People sometimes think they can claim early, receive payments for a few years, then switch to a higher amount later — but that is not how it works. Once you claim, your benefit amount is set based on your age at claim, and it does not increase if you wait longer.

Another mistake is not checking your earnings record before you claim. Social Security bases your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you have gaps in your work history or errors in your record, your benefit could be lower than it should be. You can review your earnings record on my Social Security and request corrections if you spot mistakes. Fixing errors before you claim takes a few weeks but can permanently increase your payment.

A third mistake is claiming without considering your tax situation. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxable income if your total income is high enough. Delaying your claim can sometimes lower your tax bill in early retirement, even if you have other income. A tax professional or financial advisor can help you model different claim ages against your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I claim?

Yes, but only within limits. If you claimed within the past 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later at a higher age — but you must repay all benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. You can request a one-time "deemed filing" adjustment in some cases, but this is rare and has strict rules. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation.

What if I am still working at 62 — should I claim?

Not necessarily. If you claim before full retirement age and earn more than the yearly limit, Social Security withholds half of your excess earnings from your benefit. You might receive little or nothing while your benefit amount stays permanently reduced. Many people in this situation wait until full retirement age or until they stop working to claim.

Do I lose my benefits if I move out of the country?

You can receive Social Security while living outside the United States, with a few exceptions. Citizens of certain countries cannot receive payments while abroad, though this list is small. You must report your address to Social Security and may need to complete a form periodically to confirm you are still living. Contact Social Security before you move to confirm your situation.

How much will my benefit be?

Your benefit depends on your earnings history, your age when you claim, and whether you claim on your own record or someone else's. Log into my Social Security at ssa.gov to see your personalized estimate at ages 62, full retirement age, and 70. These estimates are based on your actual earnings record and assume you continue working at your current pace.

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

If you were born on January 1st, Social Security treats you as if you were born on December 31st of the previous year. This affects which full retirement age table applies to you. Check your Social Security statement or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your full retirement age if your birthday is January 1st.