You can start Social Security retirement benefits as early as 62, but the age you choose has a permanent effect on your monthly check.
Claiming at 62
Claiming early means a smaller monthly benefit, permanently reduced by roughly 25-30% compared to your full retirement age amount.
Full retirement age (66-67)
Waiting until your full retirement age, which depends on your birth year, gets you 100% of your calculated benefit.
Waiting until 70
Delaying past full retirement age earns delayed retirement credits, increasing your benefit roughly 8% per year up to age 70.