You can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced

Social Security lets you start taking retirement benefits before you reach your full retirement age — the age at which you get your full benefit amount. If you claim at 62, the earliest possible age, your monthly check will be roughly 30 percent smaller than it would be if you waited until full retirement age. If you wait even longer, until age 70, your benefit grows by about 8 percent for each year you delay. The choice between claiming early, at full retirement age, or later is permanent once you submit your claim, so understanding the tradeoff matters.

The process itself is straightforward: you contact Social Security, provide basic information about your work history and earnings, and they calculate your benefit based on your age and the date you want benefits to start. Most people can do this online or by phone without visiting an office. What makes the decision harder is knowing whether claiming early makes sense for your situation — that depends on your health, how long you expect to live, whether you still work, and whether you need the money now.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim Social Security retirement benefits starting at age 62, but your monthly payment will be reduced by roughly 30 percent compared to waiting until full retirement age.
  • Your full retirement age depends on your birth year and ranges from 66 to 67; Social Security's website shows your specific age.
  • If you claim before full retirement age and still work, Social Security will withhold part of your benefit if your earnings exceed an annual limit that changes yearly.
  • You can claim online through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Once you claim, you cannot undo the decision, so the choice between claiming early, at full retirement age, or at 70 is permanent.

Determine your full retirement age and benefit amount

Your full retirement age is not 65 — it depends on the year you were born. If you were born in 1943 or earlier, your full retirement age is 66. For people 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 2 months; if born in 1960 or later, it is 67. Social Security's website has a table showing the exact age for your birth year, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask.

Before you claim, you should know roughly what your monthly benefit will be at different ages. You can see this on your Social Security account at ssa.gov — log in or create an account, and your "Retirement Estimator" shows your projected benefit at 62, full retirement age, and 70. The estimator uses your actual earnings record, so the numbers are specific to you, not a general average. If you do not have an online account, you can request a benefit estimate by mail or call Social Security and ask them to mail one to you.

Understanding the reduction is important. If your full retirement age is 67 and you claim at 62, your benefit is roughly 70 percent of what you would receive at 67. The exact percentage varies slightly by birth year, but the reduction is permanent — even after you reach full retirement age, your monthly check stays at the reduced amount. This is why the decision is not reversible.

Check whether you can work and still claim early benefits

If you claim before full retirement age and you continue working, Social Security will reduce your benefit based on your earnings. For 2024, if you earn more than $23,400 per year, Social Security withholds $1 from your benefit for every $2 you earn above that limit. The earnings limit changes each year, so check ssa.gov or call to confirm the current year's threshold before you claim.

This earnings test applies only until you reach full retirement age. Once you turn full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your benefit. If you claim at 62 but plan to keep working full-time, the reduction from early claiming plus the earnings withholding could mean you receive very little or nothing each month until you stop working or reach full retirement age.

Some people claim early specifically because they have already stopped working or are working part-time and expect to stay under the earnings limit. Others find that the combination of early-claim reduction and earnings withholding makes claiming later a better choice. Run the numbers with your actual expected earnings before you decide.

Gather your documents and information before you claim

Social Security will ask for basic information: your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status. You will also need to confirm your work history — Social Security already has this on file, but they may ask you to verify it. Have your most recent tax return or W-2 handy if you are still working, because they may ask about your current earnings to confirm you understand the earnings test.

If you are married, divorced, or widowed, bring documentation of that status. You may be may have access to to benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's earnings record, which can sometimes be higher than your own benefit. Social Security will not automatically tell you about this option — you have to mention it. If you are divorced, you need the date of your divorce; if widowed, the date of your spouse's death.

You do not need to print or mail anything if you claim online. If you call or visit an office, Social Security may ask you to mail or bring originals of certain documents, but they will tell you exactly what they need and give you time to gather it.

Claim online, by phone, or in person

The easiest route for most people is to claim online at ssa.gov. Go to the "Retirement" section, select "explore for Retirement Benefits," and follow the form. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can save your progress and return later if you need to. You will receive a confirmation number and Social Security will contact you if they need more information.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week. Have your information ready, and the representative will walk you through the claim over the phone. They can also answer questions about how early claiming affects your specific situation before you decide.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov or call the main number. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require appointments. Going in person is useful if you have complex questions or need help gathering documents, but it is not faster than explore online or by phone.

Understand what happens after you claim

After you submit your claim, Social Security typically processes it within 2 to 4 weeks. They will contact you if they need additional information or documents. Once approved, your first benefit payment arrives the month after your claim is processed — so if you claim in January and are approved in February, your first check arrives in March.

Your benefit is deposited directly to your bank account, not mailed as a check. If you do not have a bank account, you can have the payment loaded onto a debit card or, in some cases, mailed as a check, but direct deposit is the default. Make sure Social Security has your correct bank information before your first payment is due.

After you start receiving benefits, Social Security sends you a benefit statement each year showing your payment amount and any changes. If your earnings change significantly or your life circumstances change — such as returning to work or moving — tell Social Security so they can update your record. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.

Know the tax implications of claiming early

Social Security retirement benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. If you have other income from work, pensions, or investments, part of your Social Security benefit could be subject to federal income tax. The tax depends on your "combined income," which includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest, and half of your Social Security benefits.

If your combined income is below certain thresholds, your benefits are not taxed. For single filers in 2024, benefits are not taxed if combined income is below $25,000; for married filing jointly, the threshold is $32,000. Above those amounts, up to 50 percent or 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable, depending on how much your income exceeds the threshold. Some states also tax Social Security benefits, though most do not.

Claiming early does not change the tax rules, but it does mean you will have Social Security income starting at 62 instead of later. If you are still working and have substantial income, this could push you into a higher tax bracket. Talk to a tax professional or use Social Security's tax calculator at ssa.gov to estimate your tax liability before you claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I claim early?

You can withdraw your claim within 12 months of claiming and repay all benefits you received, which restores your record as if you never claimed. After 12 months, you cannot undo the claim. Some people use this window to claim early, then withdraw and wait if their circumstances change. You must repay the full amount Social Security paid you, including any taxes withheld.

What if I claim at 62 but then decide to wait?

Once you have claimed and received benefits for more than 12 months, you cannot go back. Your benefit stays at the reduced rate for life. This is why the decision matters — if you think you might want to wait, do not claim yet. If you are unsure, use the 12-month window to test it out.

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

You can receive Social Security retirement benefits while living outside the United States, with some exceptions. Citizens of most countries can receive benefits abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, restrictions explore depending on your country of residence. Contact Social Security before you move to confirm your benefits will continue.

What happens to my benefits if I get married or divorced after I claim?

Marriage or divorce does not change your own retirement benefit once you are receiving it. However, if you are married, your spouse may be may have access to to a benefit based on your earnings record, and that is a separate claim. If you divorce, your ex-spouse may also have rights to a benefit based on your record. These do not reduce your own benefit.

Can I claim early if I am still working full-time?

Yes, but your benefit will be reduced by the earnings test if you earn more than the annual limit. For 2024, that limit is $23,400. If you earn $30,000, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,400, which is $3,300 withheld. You might receive little or no benefit that year. Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit no longer applies.