You can sign up for Social Security starting at age 62, but your monthly payment depends on when you claim

Social Security lets you start taking monthly payments at 62, but the amount you receive changes based on your age when you sign up. If you claim at 62, your payment will be smaller than if you wait. If you delay claiming past your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), your payment grows by about 8% per year until age 70.

You do not have to claim at 62 just because you can. Many people work longer and claim later to get a larger monthly check. Others need the income right away. The choice depends on your health, finances, and how long you expect to live — there is no single right answer for everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security at 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced compared to claiming at your full retirement age.
  • Your full retirement age is 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, and this is when you receive your standard benefit amount.
  • Delaying your claim past full retirement age increases your payment by roughly 8% per year until you reach 70.
  • You can sign up online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

What your birth year means for your full retirement age

Social Security defines a full retirement age based on when you were born. This is the age at which you receive your standard benefit — the amount Social Security calculated based on your earnings record. If you were born in 1943 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it increases by two months for each year of birth, landing at 66 for people born in 1943–1954. If you were born in 1955 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

Your full retirement age matters because it is the baseline for calculating what you get if you claim early or late. Claiming before this age reduces your payment. Claiming after this age increases it. The Social Security Administration publishes a full chart on ssa.gov showing the exact full retirement age for your birth year.

How much less you get if you claim at 62

Claiming at 62 means a permanent reduction to your monthly payment. The exact reduction depends on your full retirement age. If your full retirement age is 67, claiming at 62 reduces your payment by about 30%. If your full retirement age is 66, the reduction is about 25%. These reductions stay in place for the rest of your life — you do not get a larger payment later.

This is an important reason to think carefully before claiming at 62. If you live into your 80s, the smaller monthly payment over many years can add up to less total money than if you had waited. But if you need the income now or have health reasons to believe you will not live as long, claiming early may make sense for your situation.

How much more you get if you delay past full retirement age

For every year you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by about 8% per year. This increase stops at age 70 — there is no benefit to waiting longer than that. If your full retirement age is 67 and you wait until 70, your payment will be about 24% larger than your full retirement age amount.

Delaying works best if you expect to live well into your 80s and 90s, or if you can afford to keep working and do not need the income yet. Some people use this strategy to may provide themselves a larger payment later, especially if they have a family history of longevity or are in good health.

How to sign up online, by phone, or in person

You can sign up for Social Security in three ways. The fastest is online at ssa.gov — go to the "Sign Up" section and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can save your process and come back to it.

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Have your Social Security number and birth certificate handy. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or later in the week.

A third option is to visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship (passport or naturalization papers). In-person appointments often have shorter wait times if you call ahead to schedule one.

What documents you need to have ready

Before you sign up, gather these documents: your Social Security card (or a record of your number), your birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or state-issued ID works for citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need proof of legal immigration status.

If you are married, divorced, or widowed, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are claiming as a spouse or survivor, Social Security will need proof of the other person's death or your relationship to them. Having these documents ready before you call or visit speeds up the process.

What happens after you sign up

After you submit your process, Social Security reviews your earnings record to calculate your benefit amount. This usually takes about two weeks if you applied online or by phone, and up to four weeks if you applied in person. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming your benefit amount and your first payment date.

Your first payment arrives by direct deposit (if you set that up) or by check, depending on how you chose to receive it. Most people get their first payment within one to two months of their claim date. If you have questions while waiting, you can check the status of your process on my Social Security at ssa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I claim?

Yes, but only within a limited window. If you claimed within the last 12 months, you can withdraw your process and reapply later at a higher age. You must repay all the benefits you received. This option is rarely used because most people who claim early do so because they need the money.

What if I am still working when I claim at 62?

Social Security reduces your payment if you earn above a certain amount while claiming before your full retirement age. In 2024, the limit is $23,400 per year. For every $2 you earn above that, Social Security withholds $1 from your benefit. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit and no reduction.

Can I claim based on my ex-spouse's record?

Yes, if you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced. You can claim a spousal benefit based on their earnings record even if they have not claimed yet, as long as you are at least 62. The amount depends on your age and their full retirement age benefit amount.

What if I missed the important date to sign up?

There is no important date to sign up for Social Security. You can claim at any age from 62 onward. However, you can only receive back payments for up to six months before the month you explore. If you waited until 70 to claim, you cannot receive the payments you would have gotten between 62 and 70.