Claiming Social Security at Age 62
Starting Social Security at age 62 means a permanent 30.0% reduction. Your Full Retirement Age (for someone born in 1960) is 67; claiming before it reduces the check for life, while waiting past it adds about 8% a year up to 70.
Example: same record, different claim ages
Illustrative worker, AIME $6,000/mo, born 1960.
| Claim at 62 (this page) | $1,866/mo | $22,392/yr |
| Claim at 67 | $2,665/mo | $31,980/yr |
| Claim at 70 | $3,305/mo | $39,660/yr |
Claiming at 62: common questions
Is age 62 a good time to claim Social Security?
Claiming at 62 locks in a permanent 30.0% reduction for life. Earlier claiming means a smaller check but more years of payments. The right age depends on your health, other income, and whether you keep working.
How much does claiming at 62 pay vs 62 or 70?
For the same earnings record, claiming at 62 pays about $1,866/mo, at Full Retirement Age (67) about $2,665/mo, and at 70 about $3,305/mo. At 62 it is about $1,866/mo in this example.
Can I work while claiming at 62?
Yes, but before Full Retirement Age the earnings test temporarily withholds part of your benefit if you earn above the annual limit. After FRA there is no earnings test and the withheld amounts are credited back.
Source: SSA.gov 2026 figures. Examples are illustrative; your benefit depends on your own 35-year earnings record. Last updated 2026-06-22.