Skip to content
Social Security Online		 Retirement Planner
www.socialsecurity.gov
 
Planners Home Skip Retirement Planner links SSA logo: link to Social Security Online home

Are you ready to apply for your benefits?

Retirement Planner Home Skip Retirement Planner links
Retirement Estimator
Benefit Calculators
Eligibility Issues
Near Retirement?
Apply for Benefits Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Resources

Now that you know some things to consider in deciding when to start your Social Security, you may have decided that you want to apply for retirement benefits now.

Are you at least 61 years and nine months of age (or older) at this time?
NO The earliest age at which you begin receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is 62. You can apply for your benefits 3 months before you turn 62 if you want your payments to start at that age.
YES Go to the next step
 
 Link to USA.gov, the U.S. Government's Official Web Portal Privacy Policy | Website Policies & Other Important Information | Site Map
Last reviewed or modified Tuesday Dec 02, 2008
Need Larger Text?