At what age are Social Security retirement benefits reduced?

At what age are Social Security retirement benefits reduced?

• A. 60
• B. 61
• C. 63
• D. 62

Answer: (D)

You begin to see a reduction in Social Security retirement benefits when you start collecting before your full retirement age. The earliest you can claim is 62, and taking benefits at that age permanently lowers the monthly amount you receive compared to waiting until your FRA. The exact reduction depends on your birth year because the FRA changes over time; for many people with an FRA of 67, claiming at 62 reduces benefits by about 30%. If you delay past your FRA, your benefits increase due to delayed retirement credits, up to age 70.

You begin to see a reduction in Social Security retirement benefits when you start collecting before your full retirement age. The earliest you can claim is 62, and taking benefits at that age permanently lowers the monthly amount you receive compared to waiting until your FRA. The exact reduction depends on your birth year because the FRA changes over time; for many people with an FRA of 67, claiming at 62 reduces benefits by about 30%. If you delay past your FRA, your benefits increase due to delayed retirement credits, up to age 70.