- Country
- United States
- Official name
- Social Security retirement benefits (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance)
- Run by
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Type
- Retirement income
Monthly retirement income from the Social Security Administration, based on your work record. You can start as early as 62.
Use our claiming age calculator to see how the age you start changes your monthly amount.
Who it is for
People who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Eligibility
If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits, which is about 10 years of work.
You can start benefits as early as age 62.
Starting before your full retirement age permanently reduces your monthly benefit. Waiting past full retirement age increases it, up to age 70.
What you get
A monthly payment based on your highest-earning years. Your personal estimate is on your Social Security Statement at ssa.gov/myaccount.
How to apply
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. SSA suggests applying up to four months before you want benefits to start.
Official sources
Last checked against official sources: