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Am I Considered Full Retirement Age For Social Security Purposes In January Of The Year I Reach Age 66?

I was born December 2, 1951. Hence, my "retirement age" for SS retirement benefits is 66. However, if I apply for benefits now to begin January 1, 2017, am I still 66 for SS purposes (even though chronogically I am not 66 for 11 more months)?

Thank you.

Hi,

No, if you start drawing benefits effective with any month prior to the month you reach age 66, you'll receive a reduced benefit. And, if you start drawing retirement benefits 11 months early as proposed in your question, your benefit rate will be permanently reduced by about 6.1% from the age 66 rate.

Before making any decisions about when to file for benefits, you may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Dec 8 2016 - 4:15pm
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