Social Security Retirement Benefits
Monthly cash benefits paid by the SSA to workers who have earned sufficient work credits and choose to begin collecting retirement benefits, available as early as age 62 (reduced) or as late as age 70 (maximum).
Full Retirement Age (FRA): 66-67 depending on birth year (67 for those born 1960 or later).
Claiming at 62 reduces the benefit by up to 30% permanently. Claiming at 70 increases the benefit by 8%/year beyond FRA.
Spousal benefits: a non-working or lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher earner's FRA benefit.
Survivor benefits: a surviving spouse can receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit (subject to age rules).
→ Use the SSA's my Social Security account (ssa.gov/myaccount) to see your projected benefit at each claiming age.
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Frequently asked questions about Social Security Retirement Benefits
What is Social Security Retirement Benefits?+
Monthly cash benefits paid by the SSA to workers who have earned sufficient work credits and choose to begin collecting retirement benefits, available as early as age 62 (reduced) or as late as age 70 (maximum). Full Retirement Age (FRA): 66-67 depending on birth year (67 for those born 1960 or later).
Who qualifies for Social Security Retirement Benefits?+
Workers who have earned enough Social Security credits, plus eligible spouses and survivors.
How do I apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Create a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your earnings record and benefit estimate. BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener can also point you to the right Social Security program.