Eligibility for Social Security Benefits at Age 62

To apply for Social Security benefits at age 62, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 62 years old: Age 62 is the earliest age you can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
• You need sufficient work history: You must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years (usually 40 quarters, or about 10 years) to qualify for benefits.

Note: While 62 is the earliest you can start receiving Social Security, you may receive a reduced monthly benefit if you claim at this age rather than waiting until your full retirement age (FRA), which is typically between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.

Steps to Apply for Social Security Benefits at Age 62

If you’re ready to apply for Social Security benefits at age 62, here are the key steps involved:

Decide the Best Time to Apply:

• Consider the impact of applying at age 62. If you begin receiving benefits early, your monthly payments will be reduced by a fixed percentage based on how many months before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) you begin taking benefits.
• It’s crucial to evaluate your financial situation, health, and future plans to determine whether starting at age 62 is the best option.

Gather the Required Documents: Before applying, make sure you have the necessary documents, including:

• Your Social Security number.
• Proof of birth (birth certificate or similar document).
• W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the last year or two.
• Your bank account information (for direct deposit).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

Apply Online:

• The easiest and quickest way to apply for Social Security benefits at age 62 is through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website: www.ssa.gov.
• You can complete the application in one sitting or save your progress and finish later.

Apply by Phone:

• You can also apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will guide you through the process over the phone.

Apply In Person:

• If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to call ahead and schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times.

What Happens After You Apply for Social Security Benefits at Age 62?

Once your application for Social Security benefits is submitted, the SSA will:

• Review your application and verify your work history.
• Determine your eligibility and calculate your monthly benefit amount.
• Send you a decision letter explaining the amount of benefits you will receive and when your payments will begin.

If your application is approved, you’ll typically start receiving benefits in the first month after you apply, although there may be a delay depending on when you submit your application and when your benefits begin.

How Much Will Your Social Security Benefit Be at Age 62?

Your Social Security benefit will be reduced if you apply at age 62 because you are claiming benefits before your Full Retirement Age (FRA). The reduction is typically about 25% to 30% less than if you waited until your FRA.

For example:

• If your Full Retirement Age is 66, your monthly benefits would be reduced by about 25% if you claim at 62.
• If your FRA is 67, the reduction would be closer to 30%.

The SSA uses your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) to calculate your benefit, so the amount you receive will depend on how much you earned during your working years.

Considerations Before Applying for Social Security Benefits at Age 62

While it may seem tempting to begin receiving Social Security benefits as soon as possible, there are important things to consider before applying at age 62:

• Long-Term Financial Needs: If you start at age 62, your payments will be reduced for the rest of your life. Consider whether a reduced benefit will be enough to cover your expenses in retirement.
• Health and Life Expectancy: If you are in good health and plan to live a long life, it might be worth waiting until your Full Retirement Age (FRA) to get the full benefit.
• Spousal Benefits: If you are married, it’s important to consider how your benefits will affect any spousal or survivor benefits.

Can You Work While Receiving Social Security Benefits at Age 62?

Yes, you can work while receiving Social Security benefits at age 62. However, if you earn more than a certain amount, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.

• In 2025, the annual earnings limit for people claiming Social Security before their Full Retirement Age (FRA) is $21,240.
• If you exceed this limit, $1 will be deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn over the limit.

Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can earn any amount without reducing your benefits.