As of 2025, eligible 62-year-olds could receive a Social Security payment of up to $2,831 per month, thanks to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
However, achieving this maximum benefit requires meeting specific income and work history criteria. Here’s a detailed guide on eligibility requirements, payout amounts, and payment schedules to help you navigate Social Security benefits at age 62.
How Much Can 62-Year-Olds Receive from Social Security in 2025?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows eligible individuals to apply for retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, benefits taken at this age come with a reduction of about 30% compared to the benefit amount at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
In 2025, with the new COLA increase of 2.5%, the maximum monthly benefit amounts for early, FRA, and delayed retirement benefits are as follows:
- At Age 62: Up to $2,831 per month.
- At Full Retirement Age (67 for most): Up to $4,018 per month.
- At Age 70: Up to $5,108 per month.
Most 62-year-olds receive less than the maximum, as the highest amount is reserved for those who meet strict eligibility requirements, including a high-earning work history.
Eligibility Requirements for the Maximum $2,831 at Age 62
Receiving the maximum benefit at age 62 requires meeting these key criteria:
- Early Application: File for Social Security benefits as soon as you turn 62.
- Consistent High Earnings: Earn the maximum taxable income set by Social Security for at least 35 years.
- Covered Employment: Work in positions that are subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
- 35-Year Work History: Have at least 35 years of documented earnings. If you worked fewer years, Social Security fills in the missing years with $0, reducing your benefit.
Meeting all these requirements is essential for securing the $2,831 monthly benefit at age 62. Falling short on any of these can reduce the benefit amount, but even partial compliance can positively impact your payout.
When Will Social Security Payments Be Distributed in 2025?
Social Security retirement benefits are paid monthly, with the distribution date depending on when the beneficiary initially filed or their date of birth:
- January 3, 2025: Those who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, will receive their check or direct deposit on this date.
- Regular Payment Schedule Based on Birthdays:
- January 8, 2025: For beneficiaries born on the 1st–10th of the month.
- January 15, 2025: For beneficiaries born on the 11th–20th.
- January 22, 2025: For beneficiaries born on the 21st–31st.
By knowing your birth date and the corresponding payday, you can anticipate when to expect your monthly benefit deposit.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits at Age 62
Applying for Social Security retirement benefits can be done online, by phone, or in person. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Online: Visit the Social Security Administration’s official website and follow the instructions for retirement benefits. You’ll need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and earnings history.
- Phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone. Representatives can guide you through the process and answer any questions.
- In-Person: Visit a local Social Security office if you prefer face-to-face assistance. It’s recommended to make an appointment to avoid long wait times.
When applying, consider doing so a few months before your planned start date. The application process can take time, and early application helps ensure timely benefits.
Important Considerations for 62-Year-Old Social Security Applicants
Starting benefits at age 62 has its pros and cons. While early retirement provides immediate financial support, it reduces the lifetime benefit amount. If your financial needs allow, waiting until Full Retirement Age or later could maximize your monthly payout.
Additionally, high-earning individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the maximum benefit may see more substantial payouts by delaying their retirement benefits.
In 2025, Social Security provides a potential maximum payout of $2,831 per month for eligible 62-year-olds, adjusted by COLA. Meeting the requirements—filing at 62, a 35-year high-earning work history, and covered employment—can increase your payout, although most recipients will see reduced benefits if they don’t meet all criteria. To avoid delays, apply a few months before your retirement date, and keep the SSA payment schedule in mind to plan for your upcoming payments.
