Here are some answers to help you understand the basics of eligibility.
Question No. 1:
When can I start receiving Social Security?
You can start claiming your benefit at 62, but if your health and financial portfolio is in shape, you may want to wait longer.
Age 62
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Age 66 or 67
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Age 70
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The earliest you can start.
[CALLOUT] Benefits could be up to 30 percent lower than at full retirement age.
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Full retirement age, depending on when you were born.
[CALLOUT] If you delay retirement, you can continue to increase your future benefits.
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When your benefits reach their maximum —
[CALLOUT] Benefits could be up to 32 percent higher than at full retirement age.
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Question No. 2:
When am I eligible for full retirement benefits?
Your “full retirement age” depends on when you were born.
Born in 1943 to 1954?
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Born in 1955 to 1959?
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Born in 1960 or later?
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The month you turn 66.
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Your eligibility increases incrementally from 66 to 67.
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The month you turn 67.
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Question No. 3:
How is my benefit amount determined?
There are a number of factors.
- Work history
- Actual lifetime earnings
- Social Security “credits” accrued by working
- Cost-of-living increases
- Age when you claim benefits
- Year of birth
- Location
Visit ssa.gov/planners/calculators for calculators to help you make an estimate.
Questions No. 4:
How do I claim benefits?
You can initiate the process with whichever of the following options you prefer.
Online
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By phone
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In person
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Go to ssa.gov
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Call 800.772.1213
TTY 800.325.0778
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Find a nearby location at secure.ssa.gov/ICON
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