Social Security at the age of 62 tends to be the lowest compared to the other retirees. This is because early filers get a reduction and they do not qualify for 100% of their benefits at 62.
It is true that the Administration allows Americans who have paid enough taxes to get Social Security at 62. That does not mean you must file at this age. In fact, it is just a possibility. Some workers need to file early because of an illness, they may not find employment or they have a physically exhausting job.
HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY REDUCE BENEFITS AT 62?
If you are on Social Security at 62, you can get a reduction of up to 30%. For example, if you qualify for an average payment of $1,913 at Full Retirement Age, you could receive $1,340 at 62.
That implies you are saying no to more than 500 dollars per month from Social Security. Soaring inflation and exorbitant prices are making it really difficult to make ends meet for millions of retirees.
Early retirement at 62 can be a great choice if you have invested and saved a great deal of money. For instance, if you do not rely on retirement benefits at 62.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT AT 62?
62-year-olds can receive up to $2,710 from the Administration in retirement. That only happens when workers meet 3 key conditions. However, only a small percentage of retirees at 62 are successful.
Working and paying taxes to the Social Security Administration is essential to qualify for the largest benefit at 62. What is more, you must have worked for at least 35 years.
During those 35 years, you must have earned the taxable maximum. For your information, the taxable maximum is about $168,600 in 2024 or $160,200 in 2023. As you can see, not many American workers can find such profitable jobs. Plan retirement taking into account expenses if you file at 62.