Can a 60 year old get Social Security benefits?

While the earliest age for standard retirement benefits is 62, there are specific circumstances under which someone may qualify for payments at 60. Can a 60 year old get Social Security benefits? This guide clarifies the different types of benefits available and what you need to know about eligibility.

Quick Summary

You cannot claim standard retirement benefits at age 60, but you may qualify for survivor or disability benefits, each with distinct eligibility rules. Claiming depends on your work history and specific circumstances, such as losing a spouse or becoming disabled.

Key Points

• Eligibility Age: Standard Social Security retirement benefits cannot be claimed at age 60; the earliest age is 62.

• Survivor Benefits: Widows, widowers, and qualifying divorced spouses can start receiving reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60.

• Disability Option: A 60-year-old can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have a severe, long-term medical condition that prevents them from working.

• Benefit Reduction: Claiming retirement benefits early at age 62 results in a permanent reduction of your monthly payment for life.

• SSDI Advantage: Unlike early retirement, SSDI provides an unreduced, full benefit amount which automatically converts to your full retirement benefit at your FRA.

• Maximizing Benefits: For those eligible for both survivor and retirement benefits, a strategic approach may involve claiming the survivor benefit early while delaying your own retirement benefit until age 70.

Eligibility for Social Security Benefits at Age 60

The earliest age to claim standard Social Security retirement benefits is 62. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67. Claiming benefits before your FRA results in a permanent reduction in your monthly benefit. This reduction is approximately 30% if claimed at age 62. Waiting past your FRA can increase your benefit through delayed retirement credits until age 70.

Other Available Benefits at Age 60

While retirement benefits aren't an option at 60, other types of Social Security benefits may be available.

Survivor Benefits

Widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses may be eligible for reduced survivor benefits starting at age 60. Eligibility depends on factors such as age, the duration of the marriage (for divorced spouses), and not being remarried before age 60 (or 50 if disabled). Claiming survivor benefits at 60 is an option, and it's possible to switch to your own retirement benefit later if it becomes higher, potentially by delaying your own claim until age 70.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

If you have a medical condition preventing work, you might qualify for SSDI at age 60. SSDI provides a full, unreduced benefit, equivalent to your FRA amount. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical-vocational guidelines, known as "grid rules," which can be more favorable for older applicants, acknowledging the difficulty of finding new work. Your ability to perform work-related tasks, your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), is assessed. If approved, SSDI benefits convert to full retirement benefits at your FRA.

Comparison of Benefit Options at Age 60

Benefit Type	Earliest Age	Benefit Amount at Earliest Age	Monthly Benefit Impact	Eligibility Based On
Retirement	62	Reduced by up to 30%	Permanently reduced monthly payment for life	Your own work record (40 credits)
Survivor	60	Reduced based on age	Permanently reduced survivor benefit for life	Deceased spouse's work record
Disability (SSDI)	Under FRA (e.g., 60)	Full, unreduced benefit amount	Converts to full retirement benefit at FRA	Own severe disability and work history

Important Considerations

If you work while receiving benefits before your FRA, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed a certain limit. This does not apply to SSDI or some survivor benefits, which have different earnings rules. Evaluating your financial situation is crucial. The SSA's resources can provide personalized estimates.

Steps at Age 60

1. Check your earnings history and get estimates via a 'my Social Security' account at SSA.gov.
2. Determine eligibility for survivor or SSDI benefits.
3. Consider professional advice for your specific situation.
4. Plan for the long term, including other retirement income streams.

Conclusion

While standard Social Security retirement benefits are not available at age 60, individuals may qualify for reduced survivor benefits or unreduced SSDI benefits. Understanding these options and their impact on long-term finances is essential for making informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 60 year old get Social Security retirement benefits?

No, the earliest you can claim Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. Starting at age 62, you will receive a permanently reduced monthly payment, as it is before your Full Retirement Age (FRA).

Under what circumstances can a 60-year-old receive Social Security benefits?

A 60-year-old can receive Social Security benefits if they are a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse claiming survivor benefits. They can also apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have a qualifying severe medical condition.

What happens if a 60-year-old claims survivor benefits?

If a 60-year-old claims survivor benefits, they will receive a reduced monthly payment compared to waiting until their FRA. They can, however, switch to their own retirement benefits later if those become higher, particularly by delaying until age 70.

Is it easier to get Social Security disability benefits after age 60?

Yes, it can be easier to be approved for SSDI after age 60. The Social Security Administration's "grid rules" recognize that it is more difficult for older workers to transition to new types of work, which can be beneficial to your claim.

What is the difference between claiming Social Security retirement and disability benefits?

Claiming retirement benefits before your FRA results in a permanently reduced monthly payment. In contrast, if approved, SSDI provides an unreduced, full benefit amount, and it later converts to your full retirement benefit without any reduction.

Can I work while receiving benefits at age 60?

If you claim survivor benefits at age 60 and work, your benefits may be subject to the annual earnings test and reduced if your earnings exceed the limit. The rules are different for SSDI, which has strict limits on substantial gainful activity.

What is the best age to claim Social Security for a 60-year-old?

There is no single best age for everyone. It depends on your life expectancy, financial needs, health status, and eligibility for different benefit types. It is crucial to evaluate all options—including survivor or disability benefits—before making a decision.