Does working while collecting affect benefits?

If you file before FRA and earn above $22,320 (2026 limit), SSA withholds $1 for every $2 above the limit. After FRA, no earnings limit at all. Withheld amounts are recovered later through higher checks.

Should I delay to 70?

Yes, on average, especially for the higher-earning spouse (the larger benefit becomes the survivor benefit). Exceptions: serious illness, urgent need for income, or no portfolio to bridge the gap.

Can I change my mind after filing?

Within 12 months you can withdraw the application and repay benefits received. After 12 months, you can voluntarily suspend at FRA to earn delayed credits going forward, but you can't reset prior reductions.

Answer · Retirement

When can I start collecting Social Security?

By Yinka Olayokun Published May 12, 2026 Reviewed May 12, 2026

Direct Answer

You can start Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but you'll receive about 30% less than your full benefit. Full retirement age (FRA) is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Delaying past FRA earns 8% per year in delayed-retirement credits up to age 70, the maximum benefit. The break-even between 62 and 67 is roughly age 78.

Social Security benefit at each filing age (vs FRA = 100%)

Filing age	% of FRA benefit	On a $2,000 FRA benefit
62	70%	$1,400
63	75%	$1,500
64	80%	$1,600
65	86.7%	$1,734
66	93.3%	$1,866
67 (FRA)	100%	$2,000
68	108%	$2,160
69	116%	$2,320
70	124%	$2,480

Full retirement age depends on birth year

Born 1943–1954: FRA is 66. Born 1955–1959: FRA increases by 2 months per year. Born 1960 or later: FRA is 67. The earliest filing age (62) is the same regardless of birth year, only the percentage reduction changes.

The break-even calculation

Filing at 62 vs 67 means 5 extra years of (smaller) checks. The cross-over point, where total benefits received are equal, is roughly age 78. Live past 78 and waiting wins; die before 78 and filing early wins. The honest answer is no one knows their own date, so the choice is really about portfolio backup, marital status (survivor benefits), and current health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does working while collecting affect benefits?: If you file before FRA and earn above $22,320 (2026 limit), SSA withholds $1 for every $2 above the limit. After FRA, no earnings limit at all. Withheld amounts are recovered later through higher checks.
Should I delay to 70?: Yes, on average, especially for the higher-earning spouse (the larger benefit becomes the survivor benefit). Exceptions: serious illness, urgent need for income, or no portfolio to bridge the gap.
Can I change my mind after filing?: Within 12 months you can withdraw the application and repay benefits received. After 12 months, you can voluntarily suspend at FRA to earn delayed credits going forward, but you can't reset prior reductions.

Sources

Retirement age and full retirement age , Social Security Administration. Verified April 30, 2026.
Delayed retirement credits , Social Security Administration. Verified April 30, 2026.

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