Claiming Social Security at Age 65
Starting Social Security at age 65 means a permanent 13.3% 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 | $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 65: common questions
Is age 65 a good time to claim Social Security?
Claiming at 65 locks in a permanent 13.3% 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 65 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 65 it is about $2,310/mo in this example.
Can I work while claiming at 65?
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.