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If you’re turning 62 in 2025, you’re officially eligible to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the average monthly payment for new claimants at age 62 is projected to be $1,343.
For many Americans, this marks a key moment in their retirement journey—but it also presents a big decision: Claim now or wait for a larger benefit later?
Here’s everything you need to know about claiming Social Security at 62 in 2025, including benefit amounts, eligibility requirements, application tips, and strategies to help maximize your payout.
Overview: Key Social Security Figures for 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Benefit at Age 62 | Average: $1,343 |
| Full Retirement Age (FRA) | 67 (for those born in 1960 or later) |
| Maximum Benefit at Age 62 | $2,831 (for high earners) |
| Minimum Work Credits Required | 40 (around 10 years of work) |
| Early Claiming Reduction | Up to 30% less than full benefit |
| Apply Online or In Person | ssa.gov, phone, or local SSA office |
Eligibility for Social Security in 2025
To qualify for Social Security benefits this year, you must meet two basic requirements:
- Be at least 62 years old
- Have earned at least 40 work credits
In 2025, one credit is earned for every $1,730 of income, with a maximum of four credits per year. If you’ve worked consistently for at least 10 years, you’ve likely met the threshold.
You can check your eligibility and estimated benefit amount by creating a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Early Claiming Reduces Your Monthly Check
Claiming at 62 gives you access to your benefits earlier, but it also reduces your monthly payment. The SSA calculates this reduction based on how many months before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) you begin claiming.
Example Monthly Benefits by Claiming Age
| Claiming Age | Estimated Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | $1,343 |
| 63 | $1,447 |
| 64 | $1,551 |
| 65 | $1,655 |
| 66 | $1,834 |
| 67 (FRA) | $1,918 |
The longer you wait to claim (up to age 70), the more your benefit increases.
How Benefits Are Calculated
Social Security uses a formula based on your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation using the Average Wage Index (AWI). If you don’t have 35 years of earnings, zero-income years are factored in, reducing your average.
Factors That Influence Your Benefit:
- Length of your work history
- Your 35 highest-earning years
- Age you start claiming
- Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
In 2024, the COLA was 3.2%, and another increase is expected in 2025 to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
Should You Claim at 62?
Claiming early may make sense for some, but not for everyone.
Pros:
- Access money sooner
- Helpful if you’re in poor health or unemployed
- Ideal if you don’t expect to live into your 80s
Cons:
- Monthly checks are permanently smaller
- Income above a certain limit can temporarily reduce benefits
- Lower spousal or survivor benefits
If you’re healthy and can afford to wait, delaying can increase your benefit by up to 76% by age 70.
How to Apply for Benefits
You can apply for Social Security up to four months before you want benefits to start.
Ways to Apply:
- Online: ssa.gov/benefits/retirement
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- In Person: Visit your local SSA office
What You Need:
- Birth certificate or valid ID
- Social Security number
- Earnings records and W-2s
- Bank account info for direct deposit
Tips to Maximize Your Benefit
- Delay Your Claim: Waiting beyond 62 increases your monthly benefit.
- Work Longer: Replace low-earning years with higher-income ones.
- Use Spousal Benefits: You may qualify based on your spouse’s work history.
- Coordinate With Retirement Income: Use IRAs or 401(k) strategically.
- Plan for Taxes: Up to 85% of your Social Security may be taxable.
Turning 62 in 2025 opens the door to Social Security retirement benefits, with an average payment of $1,343 per month for early claimants.
While this can be a financial lifeline, it also comes with trade-offs. Deciding when to claim is one of the most important retirement decisions you’ll make.
Make sure to review your earnings history, understand your options, and weigh your health, income needs, and long-term financial goals before you apply.
Whether you choose to claim at 62 or delay, being informed is the key to maximizing your retirement income.
FAQs
How much will I get from Social Security at age 62 in 2025?
The average monthly benefit is $1,343, but this can vary based on your earnings history.
What are the minimum requirements to qualify?
You must be at least 62 and have 40 work credits, which equals about 10 years of work.
Can I still work while receiving Social Security at 62?
Yes, but if you earn over a certain limit, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.