Retirementradar Updated Aug 27, 2026

Answer from Retirementradar

The age you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits directly impacts the amount of your monthly payment. Claiming earlier than your full retirement age will result in a permanently reduced benefit, while delaying past your full retirement age can increase it.

Social Security retirement benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, but doing so will reduce your monthly payment. Your full retirement age, which depends on your birth year, is the age at which you can receive your full unreduced benefit. Waiting to claim benefits beyond your full retirement age, up to age 70, earns delayed retirement credits that increase your monthly payment.

This information provides general guidance on Social Security claiming ages and their impact on benefits; individual circumstances may vary.

What is the earliest I can claim Social Security?

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You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, claiming at this age will result in a permanently reduced monthly benefit amount compared to what you would receive at your full retirement age.

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