How 62-Year-Olds Can Get $2,831 From Social Security This Month – Follow These 4 Simple Steps

Are you turning 62 this year and planning to claim your Social Security benefits?

If you’re reaching age 62 in 2025 and considering claiming Social Security, you might be eligible to receive up to $2,831 each month. But to get this full amount, you need to meet four key conditions. Most retirees don’t reach the maximum, but learning these rules can help you get the most money possible in retirement.

Let’s go over the important information and see how you can qualify for higher benefits in 2025.

Key Social Security Details at Age 62

Key Point	Information
Maximum Benefit at 62	$2,831 per month
Full Retirement Age (FRA)	67 years old (for those born in 1960 or after)
Taxable Maximum Earnings (2025)	$176,100 per year
Average Monthly Benefit at 62	$1,341.61 (as of December 2024)
Reduction for Early Claiming	Up to 30% less if taken at age 62
Benefit Increase if Delayed	8% more each year, up to age 70

Rule #1: Work for at Least 35 Years

To get the highest Social Security payment, you need to have worked for at least 35 years. Social Security calculates your benefit using your top 35 years of earnings. If you have fewer than 35 years of work, the missing years are counted as zero, which lowers your average and reduces your benefit.

Tip: If you’re short on years, consider working longer to replace those zero years with higher-income ones and raise your benefit.

Rule #2: Earn Social Security-Taxable Income

Only income that had Social Security tax taken out (FICA) counts toward your benefit. This includes most wages and salaries, but not all income qualifies.

Example: If you worked a job that didn’t withhold Social Security taxes (like some government positions) or got paid “under the table,” those earnings won’t count toward your Social Security calculation.

Rule #3: Earn the Maximum Taxable Amount for 35 Years

To get the full $2,831 at age 62, you must have earned at least $176,100 each year for 35 years in a row. This is the cap on earnings that count toward Social Security.

Reality Check: Very few people meet this standard, but increasing your income in the years before retirement can still help boost your monthly payment.

Rule #4: Know the Trade-Off of Early Retirement

You can start collecting benefits at 62, but you’ll receive about 25% to 30% less than if you waited until your full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for most people now.

If you delay benefits even further—up to age 70—your monthly checks will grow thanks to delayed retirement credits.

Example: A person eligible for $2,000 at full retirement age would only get about $1,400 at age 62. But if they wait until 70, they could get around $2,480 each month.

Why Social Security Isn’t Enough Alone

Social Security is only designed to cover about 40% of your pre-retirement income. If you earned a higher income during your career, that percentage will be even lower. That’s why having extra retirement savings is so important.

Consider saving with:

• A 401(k) or IRA
• Employer pension plans
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds

Inflation’s Impact and COLA Adjustments

Each year, Social Security payments may go up a bit due to a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This helps protect your buying power. But when inflation rises quickly, COLA increases might not fully keep up. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead for higher costs in the future.

How to Estimate Your Benefits

To see what your Social Security payments might be:

1. Visit www.ssa.gov
2. Create a “my Social Security” account
3. Look at your personalized benefit statement

This gives you a clear picture of what you can expect and helps with future planning.

Special Cases That May Affect Your Benefits

Some situations can change when or how much you receive:

• Disability Benefits (SSDI): If you become disabled before retiring, you may qualify for payments sooner.
• Survivor Benefits: Widows and widowers may receive up to 100% of a deceased spouse’s benefit.
• Spousal Benefits: You might receive up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit, depending on your own work history.

Even though most 62-year-olds won’t qualify for the maximum Social Security amount, knowing these rules can help you increase your benefits. Working more years, earning higher income, and waiting longer to claim are all good ways to raise your retirement income. Combine this with personal savings for a more secure and comfortable retirement.

FAQs