How Much Money Will I Lose If I Retire At 62 Instead of 65?

Deciding when to retire is a major life decision. While some look forward to retiring as early as age 62, claiming Social Security benefits at this age can significantly reduce your monthly income. Understanding the consequences of early retirement is crucial for balancing your aspirations with financial security.

Retiring early at 62 has major implications for Social Security benefits. With reduced monthly payments, individuals must carefully weigh if they can sustain lower income over the long run. This article explores how retiring before full retirement age affects Social Security income.

Understanding Social Security Full Retirement Age Benefits

First, let's review some Social Security basics. The Social Security system provides monthly retirement income through payroll taxes paid during your working years. Your benefit amount depends on your lifetime earnings.

Full Retirement Age (FRA) is when you can collect your full benefit based on earnings history. For those born 1960 and later, FRA is 67.

Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is your projected monthly benefit at full retirement age. This serves as a reference point in deciding when to claim benefits.

Early Retirement at Age 62

You can choose to retire as early as age 62, but it comes at a cost.

When you claim Social Security at 62, you are electing to start benefits earlier than your full retirement age. This can permanently reduce your monthly benefit.

Specifically, claiming at 62 cuts your benefit by 25% if your FRA is 66, or 30% if your FRA is 67. This reduction applies for the rest of your life.

Delayed Retirement and Age 70

On the other hand, delaying retirement beyond FRA increases your benefit through credits.

For those with a FRA of 66, the Delayed Retirement Credit is 2/3 of 1% per month you delay, equaling an 8% yearly boost up to age 70.

By waiting until age 70 to take benefits, you can maximize your monthly income. For an FRA of 67, this can mean a 24% increase over your full retirement benefit.

In total lifetime benefits, early filing at 62 results in lower overall income compared to waiting.

Factors to Consider

When weighing early retirement, key aspects include:

• How long you expect to live - The longer your lifespan, the more that delayed filing makes sense to increase total benefits.

• Other retirement income - If you have significant savings and pensions, reduced Social Security may be manageable.

• A balanced retirement plan - Make sure all sources of retirement income are structured for maximum security.

The Effect of Birth Year

Your birth year affects both your FRA and benefit reduction for early filing:

• For those born 1943-1954, FRA is 66. Filing at 62 causes a 25% reduction in monthly income.

• For birth years 1955-1960, FRA rises to 66 + 2 months per year. The reduction at 62 is 25.83% to 30%.

• For 1960 and later, FRA is 67. Claiming benefits at 62 cuts income by 30%.

Survivor Benefits and Other Considerations

Early retirement also impacts benefits for survivors. Reduced income carries over to spouses/dependents after death.

Other considerations include future COLA increases being applied to a lower starting benefit and the effect on Medicare premium costs.

The Decision-Making Process

There are personal reasons some may opt for early retirement:

• Health issues make continuing work difficult.

• They have enough savings and prefer more free time.

• They have physical jobs that become challenging with age.

However, it’s essential to plan for reduced Social Security income and account for years of lower cash flow. Consulting a financial advisor can help assess your full picture.

Ultimately, the choice requires aligning your retirement dreams with financial realities to support your needs.

Conclusion

Claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces monthly benefits by 25-30% compared to waiting until full retirement age. While alluring for some, early filing cuts lifetime benefits significantly. Before opting to retire early, be sure you understand and can manage the financial trade-offs. With proper planning, you can make the best decision for your situation.

We’re Here to Help

You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give the licensed insurance agents at The Insurance Space a Call at (866) 717-8683. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.

FAQS

How much money will I lose if I retire at 62 instead of 65?

 The amount of money you will lose if you retire at 62 instead of 65 will depend on several factors. By retiring at 62, you are choosing to receive your Social Security retirement benefits early. However, your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced by a certain percentage for each month you claim benefits before your full retirement age. The exact reduction amount will depend on your birth year and when you start receiving benefits.

Can I claim Social Security after early retirement?

 Yes, you can still claim Social Security retirement benefits after early retirement. However, it's important to note that by claiming benefits early, your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced. The reduction in monthly benefits will depend on how many months ahead of your full retirement age you start receiving benefits.

What is the normal retirement age?

 The normal retirement age is the age at which you become eligible to receive full Social Security retirement benefits. It used to be 65, but it has been gradually increasing based on your birth year. For example, if you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

Should I retire at 62?

The decision to retire at 62 depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. While retiring at 62 allows you to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits earlier, it also means that your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced. It's important to consider your current financial situation, retirement savings, and life expectancy before making a decision.

How do I calculate my Social Security retirement benefits?

Your Social Security retirement benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings and your age when you start receiving benefits. The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine your monthly benefit amount. You can use the Social Security Administration's online calculator to estimate your benefits based on different retirement ages.

Can I wait to claim Social Security?

 Yes, you can choose to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits. By waiting to claim, you can increase your monthly benefit amount. For each year you delay claiming benefits beyond your full retirement age, your monthly benefit amount will increase by a certain percentage, known as a delayed retirement credit. However, keep in mind that waiting to claim benefits means you will receive fewer total payments over your lifetime.

What are the advantages of filing for Social Security early?

 Filing for Social Security early allows you to start receiving monthly retirement benefits sooner, which can be advantageous if you need the income to cover your expenses. Additionally, if you have a shorter life expectancy or health issues, claiming early may make sense as you can potentially receive more in lifetime benefits.

What are the disadvantages of filing for Social Security early?

 The main disadvantage of filing for Social Security early is that your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced. This reduction can significantly impact your retirement income, especially if you live longer than expected. Additionally, if you continue working before reaching your full retirement age, there may be an earnings limit that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits.

Can I collect Social Security retirement benefits while still working?

Yes, you can collect Social Security retirement benefits while still working. However, if you haven't yet reached your full retirement age, there may be an earnings limit that could affect the amount of benefits you receive. If your earnings exceed the limit, your benefits may be temporarily reduced. It's important to understand the specific rules and regulations surrounding collecting benefits while still working.

How will filing early for Social Security affect my lifetime benefits?

 Filing early for Social Security will result in a permanent reduction in your monthly benefit amount. This reduction can have a significant impact on your lifetime benefits, especially if you live longer than expected. It's important to consider your life expectancy and long-term financial needs when deciding whether to file early or wait to claim. 

How much money will I lose if I retire at 62 instead of 65?

If you retire at 62 instead of 65, your monthly social security retirement benefits may be reduced. The reduction in monthly benefits will depend on your normal retirement age, which is based on the year you were born. It's important to note that the reduction is permanent, meaning you will receive a lower monthly benefit for the rest of your life.

Can you claim social security after early retirement?

Yes, you can claim social security retirement benefits after early retirement. However, it's important to understand that filing early will result in a reduction in monthly benefits. If you choose to claim social security before your full retirement age, which is typically 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, your benefits will be permanently reduced.

What are the advantages of claiming social security early?

Claiming social security early can provide financial support if you need to retire earlier than planned due to health issues or other circumstances. It can also be advantageous if you have a shorter life expectancy and want to start receiving benefits earlier.

What are the disadvantages of claiming social security early?

 The main disadvantage of claiming social security early is the reduction in monthly benefits. By filing early, you may receive a lower monthly benefit for the rest of your life. If you're able to wait until your full retirement age or even later, you can potentially receive higher monthly benefits.

How much will my monthly benefit be reduced if I claim social security early?

 The reduction in monthly benefits will depend on how early you choose to claim. If you file for social security retirement benefits at age 62, your monthly benefit could be reduced by up to 30%. The reduction amount gradually decreases if you wait until your full retirement age to claim.

Can I wait until my full retirement age to claim social security?

 Yes, you can wait until your full retirement age to claim social security retirement benefits. Waiting until your full retirement age will result in receiving your full monthly benefit amount as determined by the Social Security Administration.

What is the normal retirement age?

 The normal retirement age varies based on the year you were born. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the normal retirement age is 67. For those born before 1960, the normal retirement age is between 65 and 67, depending on the specific year of birth.

How long do I need to wait after turning 62 to receive social security benefits?

 You can start receiving social security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you choose to claim benefits at 62, your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age.

How will claiming social security early affect my retirement income?

 Claiming social security early will reduce your retirement income, as your monthly benefits will be lower than if you had waited until your full retirement age. This reduction can have a significant impact on your overall retirement income, so it's important to consider the long-term consequences before making a decision.

What if I want to retire at 62 but still continue working?

If you want to retire at 62 but continue working, you can still claim social security retirement benefits. However, if you earn more than a certain threshold, your benefits may be temporarily reduced until you reach your full retirement age. Once you reach your full retirement age, your benefits will no longer be reduced based on your earnings.