Social Security: What Should You Do at Age 62?

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Social Security:  What Should You Do at Age 62?
Joey Bollinger

Is 62 your lucky number? If you’re eligible, that’s the earliest age you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. If you decide to start collecting benefits before your full retirement age (which ranges from 65 to 67, depending on the year you were born), you’ll be in good company. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 74% of Americans elect to receive their Social Security benefits early. (Source: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement, April 2009)

Although collecting early retirement benefits makes sense for many people, there’s a major drawback to consider: if you start collecting benefits early, your monthly retirement benefit will be permanently reduced. So before you put down the tools of your trade and pick up your first Social Security check, there are some factors you’ll need to weigh before deciding whether to start collecting benefits early.

The exact amount of your Social Security retirement benefit is based on the number of years you’ve been working and the amount you’ve earned. Your benefit is calculated using a formula that takes into account your 35 highest earnings years. If you earned little or nothing in several of those years (if you left the workforce to raise a family, for instance), it may be to your advantage to work as long as possible, because you’ll have the opportunity to replace a year of lower earnings with a higher one, potentially resulting in a higher retirement benefit.

Each year, you’ll receive a Social Security Statement from the SSA that summarizes your earnings history, and estimates the benefits you may receive based on those earnings.

If you begin collecting retirement benefits at age 62, each monthly benefit check will be 20% to 30% less than it would be at full retirement age. The exact amount of the reduction will depend on the year you were born. (Conversely, you can get a higher payout by delaying retirement past your full retirement age—the government increases your payout every month that you delay retirement, up to age 70.)

Is it better to take reduced benefits at age 62 or full benefits later? The answer depends, in part, on how long you live. If you live longer than your “break-even age,” the overall value of your retirement benefits taken at full retirement age will begin to outweigh the value of reduced benefits taken at age 62.

You’ll generally reach your break-even age about 12 years from your full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 66, you should reach your break-even age at 78. If you live past this age, you’ll end up with higher total lifetime benefits by waiting until full retirement age to start collecting; otherwise, collecting benefits at age 62 may be better.

Of course, no one can predict exactly how long they’ll live. But by taking into account your current health, diet, exercise level, access to quality medical care, and family health history, you might be able to make a reasonable assumption.

Another key factor in your decision is whether or not you plan to continue working after you start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. That’s because income you earn before full retirement age may reduce your Social Security retirement benefit. Specifically, if you are under full retirement age for the entire year, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 you earn over the annual earnings limit ($14,160 in 2010).

A higher earnings limit applies in the year you reach full retirement age, and the calculation is different too—$1 in benefits is withheld for every $3 you earn over $37,680 (in 2010). Once you reach full retirement age, you don’t need to worry about your earnings. You can earn as much as you want without affecting your Social Security benefit.

In addition to the factors discussed here, other personal considerations may influence whether you start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. Is your spouse already retired or planning to retire early too? Do you plan on traveling, volunteering, going back to school, starting your own business, pursuing hobbies, or moving to a new location? Do you have grandchildren or elderly parents whom you want to help take care of? Every person’s situation is different.

The nuances of Social Security can be complex. For more information about Social Security benefits, visit the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov, or call (800) 772-1213 to speak with a representative. You may also call or visit your local Social Security office.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.  The tax information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax advisor.

The Financial Consultants of Upton, Draughon & Bollinger are registered representatives with, and Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC 207 Ansley Blvd., Suite A, Alexandria, LA 71303, (318) 442-4944.