Not all Americans can receive Social Security retirement benefit payments in 2025. Those who would like to file for benefits next year need to be at least 62 years old.
However, sometimes 62-year-olds do not qualify despite being the right age. The main reason why many citizens do not qualify for Social Security at 62 is because they have not paid enough taxes to the Administration.
Requirements to get Social Security payments at 62 in 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will ensure that you have earned at least 40 work credits. That means you have worked for at least 10 years since you can only get 4 work credits per year.
For your information, to get 1 work credit in 2024, you must have at least $1,730 in covered earnings. That implies you pay payroll taxes to SSA as you work.
Bear in mind that some jobs are not covered by Social Security. Therefore, you may not be eligible for retirement benefits if you never paid taxes and that is the only job you had in your life. However, you may have a pension.
How to know the number of Social Security credits
Some workers may be new to the labor market and they may want to check the number of work credits they have achieved so far. The SSA allows you to check it through your my Social Security account.
The easiest way to know if you qualify for Social Security at 62 is to download a Statement. In this way, you will see if you can get retirement benefits or not, and the possible amounts depending on when you file.
For example, if you file for retirement benefit payments at 62, you will get a 30% reduction. That means you are saying goodbye to a great deal of money every year if you file early. The Statement will also show you if your family could receive benefit payments on your record.