Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. We must see the original document(s), or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
Certain circumstances make it logical to claim benefits as soon as you're eligible. “If you need the income at 62, you are going to claim,” Orman wrote. “Or if you arrive at age 62 in poor health, claiming your benefit early may make sense.”
Early retirement You can receive Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, we'll reduce your benefit if you start receiving benefits before your full retirement age. For example, if you turn age 62 in 2025, your benefit would be about 30% lower than it would be at your full retirement age of 67.
How to plan for an early retirement: 7 steps you can take Map out your retirement goals. Know your numbers. Create a retirement budget (or a few of them) ... Maximize your retirement savings. Figure out health insurance. Talk to a financial advisor. Be prepared to make changes.
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.
Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.
One frequently used rule of thumb for retirement spending is known as the 4% rule. It's relatively simple: You add up all of your investments, and withdraw 4% of that total during your first year of retirement. In subsequent years, you adjust the dollar amount you withdraw to account for inflation.
Teachers are eligible for full retirement after completing 30 years of creditable service. They can also retire at age 65 with five years of service credit or at age 55 with at least five years of service credit and meets the Rule of 80 (combined age and years of service credit total at least 80.)
(i) Has at least five years of total service credit and has attained sixty years of age; (ii) Has at least thirty years of total service credit at any age; (iii) Has at least twenty-five years of total service credit and has attained fifty-five years of age.