Each article costs us about $50 in history books as source material, plus editing and server costs. You can help us create even more free articles for as little as $5 per month, and we'll give you an ad-free experience to thank you! Become a Member.
A. You can. Social Security will accept your application for early benefits when you're 61 years 9 months. Regardless of how old you are, the agency generally recommends that you apply three months before you would like the first payment to arrive.
Many older Americans start collecting their checks too early. About two-thirds of Americans file for Social Security at age 62, according to Kisner. This is the earliest a person can begin collecting, and is several years before the cut-off for receiving full benefits, known as the full retirement age (FRA).