What do I need to do for Social Security when I turn 62?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 29, 2026
The earliest you can apply is four months before the month you want your benefits to start, and the earliest your benefits can start is your first full month as a 62-year-old. For example, if you turn 62 in June, your benefits can begin in July, and you can apply as early as March.
Can you start getting Social Security at 62?
You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, we’ll reduce your benefit if you retire before your full retirement age. For example, if you turn age 62 in 2021, your benefit would be about 29.2 percent lower than it would be at your full retirement age of 66 and 10 months.
How long does it take to get Social Security after you turn 62?
You would then receive your first Social Security check four months later—the month after your 62nd birthday. While it typically takes several weeks to process a new application, some may be approved in the same month when you apply.
How much does a 62 year old get on Social Security?
The question is, what can the typical retired worker expect to receive from Social Security at age 62? According to payout statistics from the Social Security Administration in June 2020, the average Social Security benefit at age 62 is $1,130.16 a month, or $13,561.92 a year.
Is it better to take SS at 62 or 66?
If you start taking Social Security at age 62, rather than waiting until your full retirement age (FRA), you can expect up to a 30% reduction in monthly benefits with lesser reductions as you approach FRA. Waiting to claim your Social Security benefit will result in a higher benefit.
What is the lowest amount of social security a person can receive?
DEFINITION: The special minimum benefit is a special minimum primary insurance amount ( PIA ) enacted in 1972 to provide adequate benefits to long-term low earners. The first full special minimum PIA in 1973 was $170 per month. Beginning in 1979, its value has increased with price growth and is $886 per month in 2020.
What are the disadvantages of taking Social Security at 62?
Three disadvantages of taking Social Security early
- Your payout could be permanently reduced by up to 30%
- The SSA may be able to withhold some or all of your benefits.
- You may be financially sabotaging your loved ones.
What happens to your Social Security income if you retire early at age 62 instead of 65?
In the case of early retirement, a benefit is reduced 5/9 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months. If the number of months exceeds 36, then the benefit is further reduced 5/12 of one percent per month.
What are the Social Security benefits at age 62?
Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth Year of Birth 1. Full (normal) Retirement Age Months between age 62 and full retiremen At Age 62 3. At Age 62 3. 1958 66 and 8 months 56 $716 33.33% 1959 66 and 10 months 58 $708 34.17% 1960 and later 67 60 $700 35.00%
How to find out if your Social Security benefits will be reduced at full retirement age?
To find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you begin receiving benefits from age 62 up to your full retirement age, use the chart below and select your year of birth. This example is based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age. Year of Birth 1. Months between age 62 and full retirement age 2. At Age 62 3.
When to apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
Apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you want your benefits to start at age 62, you can apply at age 61 and 9 months.
What happens to spouses Social Security benefits when they reach full retirement age?
Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to begin receiving spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.