Social Security FAQ
Learn about eligibility for Social Security benefits -- whether you are eligible, when you can collect them, and how much you will receive.
How much can I expect to get in Social Security benefits?
Who is eligible to collect Social Security benefits?
» When can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits?
How are my Social Security benefit amounts calculated?
Can I keep a job even after I start collecting retirement, dependents, or survivors benefits?
Can I collect more than one type of benefit at a time?
Can I claim spousal benefits if I'm divorced?
When can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits?
The Social Security Administration used to consider 65 to be full retirement age for the retirement benefit. Benefits amounts were calculated on the assumption that most workers will stop working full time and will claim retirement benefits when they reach age 65.
Now that people are generally living longer, Social Security's rules about what is considered full retirement age are changing. Age 65 is still considered full retirement age for anyone born before 1938. But full retirement age gradually increases from age 65 to 67 for people born in 1938 or later. For anyone born after 1960, the full retirement age is 67.
| Retirement Age for Those Born After 1937 |
| Year Born |
Full Retirement Age |
| 1938 |
65 years, 2 months |
| 1939 |
65 years, 4 months |
| 1940 |
65 years, 6 months |
| 1941 |
65 years, 8 months |
| 1942 |
65 years, 10 months |
| 1943 - 1954 |
66 years |
| 1955 |
66 years, 2 months |
| 1957 |
66 years, 6 months |
| 1958 |
66 years, 8 months |
| 1959 |
66 years, 10 months |
| 1960 or later |
67 years |
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The system does provide for early retirement at age 62, but also offers higher benefits for people who wait to make their claims after reaching full retirement age. For more information, see Types of Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors.
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