At what age can a worker first receive Social Security retirement benefits?

A worker can first receive Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. This age marks the earliest eligibility to start receiving benefits, although opting for retirement at this age will result in a reduced benefit amount compared to what one would receive by waiting until reaching full retirement age, which varies depending on the year of birth.

Choosing to retire at age 62 is prevalent among many individuals seeking early access to benefits, especially if they wish to retire early or if they need income support. It’s important for individuals to consider the long-term implications of taking Social Security benefits early, as doing so may affect the overall amount they receive throughout their retirement years.

The other ages mentioned—60, 65, and 70—represent different milestones in terms of Social Security benefits. For instance, while 65 is commonly associated with Medicare eligibility, it is not the earliest age for retirement benefits. Conversely, age 70 represents the age where individuals can receive the maximum benefit amount if they delay taking social security retirement benefits beyond their full retirement age. However, the critical takeaway is that age 62 is the appropriate age to initiate benefits, hence making the correct answer.