If you’re turning 62 in 2025, you’re now eligible to claim Social Security benefits. This is a big step, but it’s also a big decision. Should you start taking payments now or wait for more later?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says the average monthly benefit at age 62 in 2025 will be about $1,343. That money can help, but you should understand how the system works before deciding.

Social Security Basics for 2025

Here’s a quick look at key information for 2025:

Topic	Details
Average Monthly Benefit (Age 62)	$1,343
Full Retirement Age (FRA)	67 (for those born in 1960 or later)
Maximum Benefit at Age 62	$2,831
Work Credits Needed	40 credits (about 10 years of work)
Early Claim Reduction	Up to 30% less than full benefit
Ways to Apply	Online, phone, or SSA office

Claiming early can help if you need the money now. But the monthly amount will be lower for the rest of your life. So, it’s smart to plan before filing.

Who Is Eligible?

To get Social Security at age 62 in 2025, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old
• Have 40 work credits

You earn one credit for every $1,730 made in 2025. You can earn four credits per year. So, working for 10 years is enough in most cases.

Tip: You can sign up for a free SSA account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your earnings and get an estimate of your benefits.

What Happens If You Claim Early?

If you start your benefits at 62, you’ll get less each month than if you wait until your full retirement age (67).

For example, if your full benefit at age 67 is $1,918, starting at 62 brings it down to about $1,343.

Here’s how your monthly benefit changes based on when you claim:

Age You Claim	Estimated Benefit
62	$1,343
63	$1,447
64	$1,551
65	$1,655
66	$1,834
67	$1,918

So, the longer you wait, the more you get each month.

How Your Benefit Is Calculated

Social Security looks at your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, the missing years are counted as zero.

Older wages are adjusted for inflation using the Average Wage Index. This makes things fair for everyone.

Key things that affect your benefit:

• How long you’ve worked
• Your top 35 earning years
• When you start claiming
• Cost-of-living increases (COLA)

In 2024, benefits went up by 3.2% due to COLA. A similar increase may happen in 2025.

Should You Take Benefits at 62?

There’s no simple answer. It depends on your health, finances, and future plans.

Pros:

• You get money sooner
• It helps if you’re jobless or in poor health
• Good option if you don’t expect to live past your 70s

Cons:

• Your monthly payment is smaller for life
• If you keep working, your income could reduce your benefits
• Your spouse or family may get lower benefits

Expert Advice:
“Delaying until 70 can increase your benefits by 76%,” says financial planner Jane Kim. “If you’re healthy and have other money, waiting often makes sense.”

How to Apply for Social Security

You can apply up to 4 months before you want to start receiving benefits. Choose the method that’s easiest for you:

Ways to Apply:

• Online: ssa.gov/benefits/retirement
• Phone: 1-800-772-1213
• In Person: Visit your local SSA office (schedule ahead)

What You Need:

• Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security number
• Work and earnings history
• Bank details for direct deposit

You don’t have to stop working to apply. You just need to be eligible.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Benefits

Want to boost your future Social Security income? Here are some easy tips:

Delay Claiming
Waiting past 62 increases your benefit. After age 67, your check grows by about 8% per year until age 70.

Earn More Money
Keep working or earn more if you can. Higher earnings can replace lower-income years in your record.

Use Spousal Benefits
If you didn’t work enough, you might still get benefits based on your spouse’s work.

Coordinate With Retirement Income
Plan withdrawals from your 401(k) or IRA so you stay in a lower tax bracket.

Prepare for Taxes
If your income is high, part of your benefit may be taxed. A tax planner can help.

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