Social Security Benefits
Updated February 23, 2017 | Factmonster Staff 
The Question:
Do I start collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
The Answer:
You can receive Social Security benefits when you turn 62. This, however, is not the "full retirement age" and will reduce your payments by a certain percentage for the rest of your life. For those born in 1937 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65. For those born after 1960, your full retirement age is 67.
For everything in between, see the chart below.
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1937 or earlier | 65 |
| 1938 | 65 and 2 months |
| 1939 | 65 and 4 months |
| 1940 | 65 and 6 months |
| 1941 | 65 and 8 months |
| 1942 | 65 and 10 months |
| 1943â1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 and later | 67 |
Read more about Social Security in our almanac or visit the Social Security Administration website.
-The Fact Monster
See also:
