T
The Daily Insight

What is the penalty for taking Social Security at 63?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 02, 2026

Monthly Social Security payments are reduced if you sign up at age 63, but by less than if you claim payments at age 62. A worker eligible for $1,000 monthly at age 66 would get $800 per month at age 63, a 20% pay cut. If your full retirement age is 67, you will get 25% less by signing up at age 63.

How much do I lose if I take Social Security early?

In the case of early retirement, a benefit is reduced 5/9 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months. If the number of months exceeds 36, then the benefit is further reduced 5/12 of one percent per month.

What happens if you take Social Security at age 62?

Benefits are reduced by the following amounts by taking Social Security early: By and large, by taking Social Security at age 62, you’re only receiving 75 percent of potential benefits.

Is it better to retire early or take Social Security early?

Even if you retire early, be careful about taking your Social Security benefits at age 62 without doing an analysis first. In many cases, it is better to find other sources of funds to finance your early retirement so that you can delay the start of your Social Security benefits.

What happens if I draw my own social security early?

I will be 62 in March of this year. If I draw my own Social Security at age 62; if my spouse dies after I turn 66 (full retirement age) will I get 100% of what he gets in Social Security at his death? Does my drawing on my own Social Security early reduce my survival benefit?

When do you start receiving your Social Security benefits?

Starting Your Retirement Benefits Early . You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits 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.