Who qualifies
Anyone with 40 quarters (about 10 years) of work credits. Age 62 starts reduced benefits; full retirement age (FRA) is 66–67 depending on birth year; age 70 unlocks the maximum delayed-retirement credit.
What you get
Monthly check based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. Average 2026 retired-worker benefit is around $2,000–$2,100/month; max at FRA is $4,018/month, max at 70 is around $5,108/month.
Tips that matter
Filing at 62 locks in a 25–30% permanent reduction. Each year you wait past FRA up to 70 adds 8% (delayed-retirement credit). Spousal and survivor benefits can be larger than your own — always run both numbers.
How to apply
Create or sign in to your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, then file online at ssa.gov/retirement.
State-level help on top of this
Most states layer their own programs on top of this federal one — pharmacy assistance, property tax relief, state Medicaid waivers. Pick your state to see what's available where you live.