Social Security Retirement Benefits in the United States
Learn about the main requirements for receiving Social Security
retirement benefits in the United States, the age at which you
can begin collecting benefits, the work credits needed to qualify,
how monthly benefits are calculated, and how to apply.
Information reviewed: October 2026
Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Retirement
Generally, eligible workers can begin receiving Social Security
retirement benefits at age 62...
...However, claiming benefits before full retirement
age permanently reduces the monthly amount. The age
at which you start receiving benefits can make a
significant difference in your monthly payments.
Generally, you need about 10 years of work covered
by Social Security...
...You earn Social Security work credits during those
years. Most workers need 40 credits to qualify for
retirement benefits based on their own work record.
Work credits help determine whether you have worked long
enough to qualify for certain Social Security benefits...
...Retirement benefits generally require 40 credits.
Credits are based on your covered earnings during
the year, not necessarily on working in specific
calendar quarters.
In 2026, you earn one Social Security credit for each
$1,890 in covered earnings...
...You can earn up to four credits per year.
The earnings amount required for one credit may
change each year based on national average wages.
Your full retirement age depends on your birth year and
ranges from 66 to 67 for people approaching retirement today...
...For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement
age is 67. Claiming at full retirement age avoids
the reduction that applies when you start benefits early.
You may start benefits as early as age 62, but claiming
before full retirement age reduces your monthly benefit...
...The reduction depends on how many months early
you claim. For someone whose full retirement age
is 67, starting at 62 can reduce the retirement
benefit by as much as 30%.
Waiting beyond full retirement age can increase your monthly
benefit through delayed retirement credits...
...Your benefit increases for each month you delay,
up to age 70. Waiting beyond age 70 does not
produce additional delayed retirement credits.
Your monthly benefit is not determined by the number of
credits you earn beyond those required to qualify...
...The Social Security Administration uses your
earnings history, generally including your 35
highest-earning years, and accounts for the age
when you begin receiving benefits.
Yes. You can work and receive Social Security retirement
benefits at the same time...
...Before full retirement age, benefits may be
temporarily withheld if your work earnings exceed
SSA limits. Once you reach full retirement age,
earnings no longer cause withholding under the
retirement earnings test.
Required documents depend on your individual circumstances...
...The SSA may request your Social Security number,
proof of age, W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns,
and, where applicable, evidence of citizenship or
lawful immigration status. The SSA advises applicants
not to delay applying solely because a document is missing.
You can apply directly through the Social Security Administration...
...The SSA offers online applications, telephone
assistance, and help through local offices.
You can apply up to four months before the date
you want benefits to begin.
The Social Security Administration provides tools
for personalized benefit estimates...
...Through your personal my Social Security account,
you can review estimates based on your earnings record
and compare how your monthly benefit may change
depending on when you claim.
Official Source
Social Security Administration Resources
For current eligibility rules, payment amounts,
income limits, and application procedures, consult
the official U.S. Social Security Administration resources.
1-800-772-1213
English and Spanish assistance available.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
local time.
Information reviewed in October 2026. Social Security
eligibility requirements, payment amounts, income limits,
and procedures may change. Always verify current
information directly with the Social Security Administration.
