When Can I Start Collecting Social Security Benefits?

Social security benefits are essential to the lives of many Americans. Sometimes this is the only income a person receives after they have retired. You can sometimes choose when you receive your social security benefits as long as you meet the age requirements. 

Retirement

Retirement does not always mean that you are ready for your social security benefits. In most cases, you have to reach a certain age before you can start receiving these benefits. Check with your local social security office if you have any questions about specific circumstances. Visit the federal government’s social security site to see if you qualify based on your age. This information is located at SSA.gov. The most official age for receiving the benefits is at the age of 66.

Work Requirements

Social security is based off of the amount of time you spent in your life working. Not everyone qualifies for the same amount of benefits. These credits are known as work credits and you earn them while you work. Self-employed individuals and regular employees are eligible to receive these credits as they work throughout their lifetime.

Calculations

The government has created a social security calculator that allows you to check and see what you are eligible for social security wise. The calculator uses your age and the amount of years you have worked. If you retire too early, then you will get a lot less per month. However, the later you retire in your life, then the more money you are eligible for with social security.