What is the earliest age that I can begin receiving retirement benefits?

The earliest age at which you can begin getting Social Security retirement benefits is 62.

The 1983 Social Security Amendments, signed by President Reagan, included a provision for raising the retirement age beginning with persons born in 1938 or later, but do not affect the minimum age for retirement, still age 62. You will receive a reduced benefit if you elect benefits prior to your full retirement age.

See details on the amount of this reduction.

The earliest age at which you can be entitled to Medicare is 65. (You can be entitled to Medicare at an earlier age only if you are entitled to Social Security disability benefits.)

See more information on the increase in the full retirement age.