Dear Rusty: My wife and I are going to be taking Social Security at 62. She will be 62 on April 15, 2025. I will be 62 August 7, 2025. When should we apply for Social Security? Signed: Ready to file
Dear Ready: Social Security recommends you apply for benefits about 2 – 3 months prior to when you want your benefits to start (to get them time to process your application). You will specify on your application when you wish your benefit to start, so applying early isn’t a problem. Just a few things to keep in mind:
Your first month of eligibility will be the first month you are 62 for the entire month. In your wife’s case, her first month of eligibility will be May 2025, and in your case your first month of eligibility will be September 2025. Your wife’s benefits will be paid on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, and your benefits will be received on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (payment dates depend on when your birthday falls).
Social Security has an earnings test for those collecting early benefits (before your full retirement age). If you are working and exceed the earnings limit, SS will take away some of your benefits. The earning limit for 2024 is $22,320 and, if that is exceeded, SS will take away $1 in benefit for every $2 you are over the limit (the limit changes annually, so the 2025 limit will be more). Thus, if you plan to work after collecting, you must stay aware of the earning test. If you earn substantially more than the earnings limit, you even may be temporarily ineligible to collect benefits (until you either earn less or reach your full retirement age (FRA) when the earning test no longer applies).
By claiming at 62, you will incur a cut in benefits of about 30% from the amount you would get by waiting until your FRA to claim. And, except for annual cost of living adjustments, that is a permanent reduction. FYI, your benefit will continue to grow if you wait longer to claim.
Deciding when to claim Social Security should take into account your financial needs, your life expectancy, and your goals as a couple. Claiming at 62 is the right choice for many, but waiting longer, if feasible, will result in a higher monthly amount, which could be beneficial if your life expectancy is long. Of course, we are here for you if you have any additional questions, so please don’t hesitate to contact us again if needed.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Unless you just have to take it at 62 because of health reasons I would wait until FRA. JMO
Wait for what? With inflation the value of the dollar will go down. You are assuming SS will be solvent 5 years later and the amount of money collected from 62 to 67 would take probably ten years to break even if you delay benefits.
Usually that 10 year break even is between the ages of 67 to 70.. I agree you shouldn’t wait after FRA as you don’t know what tomorrow brings, But 62 to 67 there are penalties for taking if you are still working. Just Saying.
Only if you earn over a certain amount. You just have to make sure you don’t “overearn”. I think you’d be better off taking at 62 putting it into a cd or high interests mutual fund than draw it out at 67
Thomas everyone’s situation is different It doesn’t take much to over earn and get cut benefits so if you are going to work a job making over that amount it would be good to wait. I am glad I waited to Full Retirement Age. I also take mine now and in high interest savings. Still working with no penalty Remember this if you make to much your benefit can be cut to nothing until FRA. Like I said everyone is different.
I just want an opt out option…what happened to to freedom to make our own choices regarding our own finances?
Now that I’m trying to get the SS money I paid into my whole adult working life, SSA is giving me the run around like you wouldn’t believe! I’ve always been a fan of SS but now I think I’m with you. Let me take care of MY money until I need it. They be giving me a dang headache!