Ask Larry

Can I Start Drawing Benefits 6 Months Before Turning Age 66 And Still Get My Full Retirement Age Rate?

I am turning 66 in July of 2018. Can I apply in January 2018 and receive my full retirement age benefits 6 months early in the year i turn 66?

Hi,

No, you can't. If you'll earn less than $44,880 (or whatever the exempt amount of earnings is set at in 2018) in the months prior to the month you reach age 66, you could start drawing benefits effective with January. However, your benefit rate will be permanently reduced by about 3.33% if you do so.

You may want to run the maximization software available on this website before you make any filing decisions. You may have better filing options available to you.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 29 2017 - 10:15am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.