When can I start getting payouts?
- How does Social Security work?
- Does Social Security cover retirees only?
- How does my work now equal benefits later?
- Am I eligible for Social Security benefits?
- How do I know I'm getting credit for the years I worked?
- What about my eligibility for Medicare benefits?
- When can I start getting payouts?
- Why should I wait past age 62 to start collecting?
- How much will my payouts be if I collect at 62?
- How much will my payments be if I wait until age 70?
- Can I start collecting benefits if I'm still working?
- What's the best age to start getting payouts?
- How big will my payouts be?
- What if I want to work part-time in retirement?
- Will my spouse and kids receive benefits when I die?
- How do Social Security disability payments work?
- Will I get taxed on my Social Security payouts?
- Will Social Security still exist when I retire?
- How does Social Security fit into my retirement plan?
The earliest you can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits is age 62; the latest is age 70. When you start collecting payouts in that eight-year span is up to you.
Your actual retirement date doesn't matter. You can retire before 62 if you like, and you can retire after 70. If you retire before 62, though, you'll have to make sure you have enough money set aside to support you until Social Security payments kick in.
