Social Security payments start the month after you reach your full retirement age, or earlier if you claim at 62

The month you were born determines your full retirement age — the age at which Social Security pays you 100 percent of your benefit amount. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960, it ranges from 66 and 2 months to 66 and 10 months. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. You can claim as early as 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced — typically 25 to 30 percent lower than your full amount.

You do not automatically receive payments. You must contact Social Security to claim your benefit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not send you a notice saying you are may be able to access. You initiate the claim yourself, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The month your claim is approved, Social Security begins processing your payment. Your first check arrives the following month.

If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70. At 70, the increase stops. This is called delayed retirement credits. The trade-off is straightforward: claim early and get a smaller check for more years, or wait and get a larger check for fewer years. The break-even point is roughly age 80 to 82, depending on your birth year and health.

Key Takeaways

  • Your full retirement age depends on your birth year and ranges from 66 to 67; you can claim as early as 62 but will receive a smaller monthly payment.
  • You must contact Social Security to claim your benefit — the agency does not send an automatic notice or start payments on your behalf.
  • Payments begin the month after your claim is approved, and your first check arrives the following month.
  • Delaying your claim past full retirement age increases your monthly payment by roughly 8 percent per year until age 70.
  • If you continue working after claiming, your earnings may reduce your benefit temporarily until you reach full retirement age.

How to find your full retirement age

The Social Security Administration publishes a table showing full retirement age by birth year. You can find it on ssa.gov under "Retirement Age" or ask a representative when you call 1-800-772-1213. If you were born on January 1, Social Security counts you as born in the previous year for this purpose.

Your full retirement age is not the age you must claim. It is straightforward the age at which you receive your full benefit amount. You can claim earlier and accept a lower payment, or later and receive a higher one. The choice is yours to make. Many people use their full retirement age as a reference point but do not necessarily claim at that exact age.

What happens if you claim before full retirement age

If you claim at 62 and your full retirement age is 67, your monthly payment is reduced by about 30 percent. If you claim at 65, the reduction is about 13 percent. The exact reduction depends on how many months early you claim. Social Security has a formula that calculates this for you when you submit your claim.

There is also an earnings test that applies if you claim before full retirement age and continue working. In 2024, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,400 per year. Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings test no longer applies, and you can work as much as you want without affecting your benefit. This rule changes yearly, so confirm the current limit when you claim.

What happens if you delay past full retirement age

For every year you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by approximately 8 percent. This increase continues until age 70. After 70, there is no financial benefit to delaying further — your payment stops growing. The increase is permanent and applies to all future payments you receive.

Delaying makes sense if you are in good health, expect to live into your mid-80s or beyond, or do not need the money when ready. It does not make sense if you have serious health problems or need the income now. There is no "right" age to claim — it depends on your personal situation, family history, and financial needs.

How to claim your Social Security benefit

You can claim online at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can save your progress and return later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a bank account number for direct deposit.

You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. Wait times are typically shorter early in the week and early in the day. A representative will walk you through the claim over the phone and mail you documents to sign.

A third option is to visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator/. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices accept appointments. Bring the same documents you would need for an online or phone claim.

How long approval takes and when payments arrive

Social Security typically approves retirement claims within 1 to 2 weeks if you have a complete file — meaning your earnings record is already in their system and you have provided all required documents. If your file is incomplete or your earnings record needs verification, approval can take 4 to 6 weeks. The timeline also depends on how busy the local office is during the time you claim.

Once your claim is approved, Social Security processes your first payment. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming your benefit amount and payment date. Payments are issued on the third of each month, or on the second-to-last business day of the month if the third falls on a weekend or holiday. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive your payment, and it typically arrives within one to two business days of the payment date.

If you were born on January 1

Social Security treats people born on January 1 as if they were born on December 31 of the previous year. This affects which birth year table is used to determine your full retirement age and when you become may be able to access to claim. If you were born on January 1, 1960, Social Security counts you as born in 1959 for retirement purposes.

Confirm your full retirement age directly with Social Security rather than relying on a birth year table. Call 1-800-772-1213 or create an account at ssa.gov to view your official records. This ensures you have the correct age for claiming purposes and understand when your full retirement age actually begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I claim?

Yes, but only within limits. If you claimed within the last 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later at a higher age. You must repay all benefits you received, including any family member benefits. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw, but you can suspend your benefit at full retirement age to earn delayed credits until 70.

What if I am still working when I turn 62?

You can claim at 62 and keep working. However, if your earnings exceed the annual limit (which varies yearly), Social Security will reduce your benefit. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work as much as you want without any reduction. The earnings test no longer applies.

Do I have to claim at my full retirement age?

No. You can claim anytime between 62 and 70. Claiming earlier means a smaller monthly payment but more total payments over your lifetime. Claiming later means a larger monthly payment but fewer total payments. The break-even point is typically around age 80 to 82.

What if I am divorced?

If you were married for at least 10 years, you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's record even if you never remarried. You must be at least 62 and your ex must be at least 62 (or you must have been divorced for at least 2 years). Contact Social Security for details about your specific situation.

Can my spouse claim on my record before I do?

Your spouse can claim a spousal benefit once you have claimed, even if you claimed early. Your spouse must be at least 62 (or any age if caring for a child under 16). The spousal benefit is typically 32.5 to 50 percent of your full retirement age benefit amount, depending on your spouse's age when they claim.