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What Age Can You Collect Social Security?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
You may start collecting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. However, you’ll receive about 30% more each month if you delay benefits until full retirement age. Many people decide to wait longer so that they receive a higher monthly payment. Your benefit amount increases by 8% every year until you turn 70. At that point, you have to start collecting your available Social Security retirement.
You can receive Social Security disability benefits at any age if your health care provider says you may not work anymore because of illness or injury. Payments begin when your application receives approval from the Social Security Administration. In this case, you may start the application process as soon as you become disabled, as long as you are 18 or older.
What is the full retirement age for Social Security?
Social Security defines the full retirement age as 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954. People born between 1955 to 1960 can receive full retirement between the ages of 66 and 67. If you were born late in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.
When should you apply for Social Security?
Apply for Social Security about 4 months before you want your payments to start. For example, if you would like to start drawing benefits at age 65 and your birthday is June 15, start the process no later than mid-February.