Social Security Timeline

Most people know they are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when they reach age 62, but there is a whole Social Security timeline from age 50 to age 70 to consider as you explore your benefit options. Not everyone will qualify for the benefits we will describe at these key ages, but knowing what the timeline is will help as you evaluate your Social Security options.
Age 50
Age 50 is one of the earliest ages a person can begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits. However, eligibility rules are greatly limited and in our opinion, they involve too much misfortune and sadness that makes this key age benefit something most people would prefer not to qualify for. First, you must be a widow or widower of a spouse who worked long enough before passing away to have qualified for Social Security retirement benefits. Second, you must be disabled. Your disability must have occurred during the deceased spouse’s life, or within seven years of their death.
Age 60
Age 60 is a