The key retirement ages
| Age | What happens |
|---|---|
| 62 | Earliest age to claim Social Security retirement benefits (reduced) |
| 65 | Medicare eligibility; 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your birthday |
| 66–67 | Full retirement age: 100% of your Social Security benefit |
| 70 | Social Security stops growing; no reason to wait longer |
| 73 or 75 | Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s begin |
When to apply
You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits up to 4 months before you want them to start. Apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid lifelong late penalties, even if you’re not claiming Social Security yet.
Frequently asked questions
When can I first get Social Security?
At 62. Your first eligible month is the first month you are 62 for the entire month. If you were born on the 1st or 2nd, that’s your birth month; otherwise it’s the month after.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I’m not taking Social Security?
If you’re not already getting Social Security, you need to sign up yourself. Most people should sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period around age 65.
When do RMDs start?
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, RMDs begin at age 73 for people born 1951–1959 and at 75 for people born 1960 or later. The first one can be delayed until April 1 of the following year.
Sources
- Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)
- Medicare.gov – When to sign up
- IRS – Retirement plan and IRA required minimum distributions
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By the GoldenYearsTools team at XplainedDaily · How we build our tools