When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn 'credits' toward Social Security benefits., 40, 10, Based on how much you earned throughout your working career., Lifetime earnings, Age at retirement, If you were born in 1958 or earlier, you're already eligible for your full Social Security benefit., 66, 66 and 2 months, 66 and 4 months, 66 and 6 months, 66 and 8 months, 66 and 10 months, 67, You can receive Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62., 62, 2025, 30%, You can choose to continue working beyond your full retirement age., 8% for each full year you delay receiving benefits., You can apply for retirement benefits online, by phone, or in person., SSN, Birth certificate, W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for last year, Military discharge papers if applicable, Spouse's birth certificate and SSN if applicable, Children's birth certificates and SSNs if applicable, Spouses age 62 or older, Spouses younger than 62 caring for a child under 16, Former spouses age 62 or older, Unmarried children up to age 18, Unmarried children with a disability that began before age 22, Medicare is our country's health insurance plan for people who are age 65 or older., Hospital Insurance, Medical Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Contact us at least 3 months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare., Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, 1-877-486-2048