In the United States, turning 62 is a big moment in many people’s lives. That’s because it is the earliest age you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. If you were born between 1960 and 1970, you may have already turned 62—or are about to—which makes you eligible to apply for this monthly financial support.
Who Can Start Receiving Social Security at 62?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if you’ve worked long enough and earned enough work credits, you can begin collecting your retirement benefits as soon as you turn 62.
However, there’s one important thing to know: retiring at 62 comes with a catch. Your monthly payment will be permanently reduced if you start at this age instead of waiting longer.
Still, many people choose to retire early and start receiving their Social Security check right away, especially if they need the money for daily living or health-related reasons.
How Much Can You Get If You Retire at 62?
If you qualify and decide to retire at 62, you can expect an average of $2,710 per month in 2025. But this amount isn’t the same for everyone.
The amount depends on things like:
- Your past earnings
- How long you worked
- When you decide to start your benefits
If you retire at 62, your benefit may be up to 30% less than what you’d get if you waited until age 67, which is called the full retirement age for people born after 1960.
So, while it’s your choice to start early, it’s important to understand that this lower amount stays the same for life.
Can You Work and Still Get Social Security?
Yes, you can still work after starting Social Security benefits at 62, but there’s a rule. If your annual earnings are higher than a certain limit set by SSA, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.
So, if you plan to work part-time or full-time while collecting Social Security, make sure to check how much you’re allowed to earn before it affects your monthly payment.
What If You Wait Until Age 70?
If you delay collecting your Social Security check until age 70, you can receive a much higher monthly payment.
In 2025, the maximum benefit at age 70 is $5,108 per month. But this is only for people who:
- Worked for at least 35 years
- Had high earnings during their working years
- Delayed retirement as long as possible
Choosing to wait means more money every month—but it depends on your personal situation and health.
Can You Get Social Security Before Age 62?
Yes, it’s possible—but only in special cases.
If you can’t work because of a health problem, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This benefit helps people who have a medical condition that keeps them from working full-time. You can get SSDI before age 62 if you meet the SSA’s rules.
Other people who may qualify for Social Security benefits before 62 include:
- Spouses or ex-spouses of a worker
- Widows or widowers of a worker
- People raising children of a deceased worker
In each of these cases, the benefit amount depends on your situation, relationship to the worker, and your age.
What Should You Do If You’re Turning 62?
If you were born between 1960 and 1970, and you’ve just turned or are about to turn 62, you may be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. You can choose to apply now, or wait for a higher monthly amount later.
Even if you’re not yet 62, you might qualify for benefits if you have a disability or fall under other categories. The best way to know for sure is to check your personal information by logging into the official my Social Security website.