Tag: claiming early

Photo of Social Security Administration building

The option to claim Social Security early was introduced over 60 years ago, when Congress set 62 as the program’s “Earliest Age of Eligibility.”  To keep lifetime benefits constant, on average, those claiming at 62 receive 20 percent less in monthly benefits than if they had claimed at 65.  The option to claim between 65…

Social Security Card: Senior woman holding card in hand on white background

Introduction Traditionally Social Security’s Normal Retirement Age has been 65, but for the last 45 years both men and women have had the option to claim benefits at the Early Eligibility Age (EEA) of 62. In exchange for claiming early, individuals receive a smaller monthly benefit. The legislation that established the EEA reduced benefits by…