These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Personal Finance Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

How old do I have to be before I can collect full Social Security benefits?

Last Updated: February 25, 2013

View as web page


Find your birth year below, and see when you will be eligible for full retirement benefits:

* 1937 or earlier: age 65

* 1938: 65 and 2 months

* 1939: 65 and 4 months

* 1940: 65 and 6 months

* 1941: 65 and 8 months

* 1942: 65 and 10 months

* 1943 - 54: age 66

* 1955: 66 and 2 months

* 1958: 66 and 8 months

* 1959: 66 and 10 months

* 1960 and later: age 67

If you did not find your birth year above, visit http:www.ssa.gov/retirechartred.htm. No matter what your full retirement age is, you may start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62.

We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.

Browse related Faqs by tag: personal finance, retirement planning


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.