Is it better to retire at 62 or wait?

Asked by: Columbus Barton DDS  |  Last update: March 13, 2024
Score: 4.5/5 (23 votes)

To be sure, the financially optimal age for most Americans to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits isn't 62, 67, or anywhere in between. Research has found that over 90% of people would receive greater cumulative lifetime benefits by waiting until age 70 to receive benefits.

Why retiring at 62 is a good idea?

Filing for Social Security at age 62 could also end up making sense financially if you're worried you won't end up living a very long life. While you'll shrink your benefits on a monthly basis, by getting to collect that money sooner, you might end up with a higher amount of lifetime benefits.

Is it smarter to take Social Security at 62?

The earliest you can start taking Social Security retirement benefits is 62. However, the Social Security Administration reduces benefits by 30% for people who retire at 62, meaning they receive just 70% of their full retirement benefit each month for life.

What is the money difference between retiring at 62 and 65?

If you start taking Social Security at age 62, rather than waiting until your full retirement age (FRA), you can expect a 30% reduction in monthly benefits with lesser reductions as you approach FRA. Remember, FRA is no longer age 65: It's 67.

What is the average Social Security check at age 62?

Based on data from the SSA's Office of the Actuary, nearly 566,000 aged 62 retired-worker beneficiaries were receiving $1,274.87 as of Dec. 2022. Meanwhile, the average Social Security check for the 2.27 million retired workers at age 66 is $1,719.85.

Collect your Social Security at 62! Waiting is a SCAM!

19 related questions found

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

What are the disadvantages of retiring at 62?

The cons of early retirement include:
  • Years of no income.
  • A potential health insurance crunch.
  • A loss of meaning.
  • Feelings of loneliness.

What are the rules for retiring at 62?

You can receive Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, we'll reduce your benefit if you start receiving benefits before your full retirement age. For example, if you turn age 62 in 2024, your benefit would be about 30% lower than it would be at your full retirement age of 67.

What is the highest Social Security check at age 62?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $3,822. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $2,710. If you retire at age 70 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $4,873.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

No waiting period is required if you were previously entitled to disability benefits or to a period of disability under § 404.320 any time within 5 years of the month you again became disabled.

How do you get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

What percentage of people draw Social Security at 62?

In the U.S., you can retire as early as 62 and start claiming your Social Security. And as of 2021, according to the Congressional Research Service, about 30% of Social Security applicants were 62.

What is special about turning 62?

Turning 62 is a big milestone for Americans. For many, it marks the end of a long career and possibly the beginning of monthly Social Security checks showing up in their bank accounts. But if you plan to apply for benefits in 2024, there are three things you need to be aware of.

Do most people retire at age 62?

Right now, the average age for men to retire is 65 while the average age for women to retire is 63. While many people say they will work for as long as they can, others retire earlier than expected. However, retiring even a few years earlier than you'd anticipated can be costly.

What is the best age to retire?

The normal retirement age is typically 65 or 66 for most people; this is when you can begin drawing your full Social Security retirement benefit. It could make sense to retire earlier or later, however, depending on your financial situation, needs and goals.

Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in 401k?

If you have $400,000 in the bank you can retire early at age 62, but it will be tight. The good news is that if you can keep working for just five more years, you are on track for a potentially quite comfortable retirement by full retirement age.

Can I get Medicare at age 62?

No. Unless you have a disability, you must turn 65 to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. And if you want to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, then you need to first have Part A and Part B.

What's the pros and cons of retiring at 62?

Pros of retiring early include health benefits, opportunities to travel, or starting a new career or business venture. Cons of retiring early include the strain on savings, due to increased expenses and smaller Social Security benefits, and a depressing effect on mental health.

What is the downside to taking Social Security at 62?

If you choose to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, your monthly benefits will be reduced. You can work and still get retirement and survivors benefits. If you're younger than your full retirement age, there are limits on how much you can earn without affecting your benefit amount.

What is the biggest retirement regret among seniors?

Some of the biggest retirement regrets include: A vague financial plan. No retirement goals. Counting on long-term employment.

How much can you earn if you retire at 62 in 2024?

If you have filed for your Social Security retirement benefit and you are under your FRA, the earnings limit for 2024 is $22,320/year ($1,860/month). This means that you can earn up to $22,320 and continue to receive your Social Security retirement benefit.

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

You may be eligible to collect Social Security as early as 62, but waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits for most people.