We need to know if you want to start your benefits before you reach your full retirement age. If you start your benefits:
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Before you reach your full retirement age, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced because you started receiving benefits early.
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At your full retirement age or later, you will receive your full benefit amount.
If you want to know what your full retirement age is and how much your benefits will be reduced if you take them early, read our chart that explains Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefits By Year Of Birth.
Reminder: If you were born on the 1st of the month, we figure your benefit (and your full retirement age) as if your birthday was in the previous month.
How to answer the question
If you decide to wait until full retirement age or later to start receiving your benefits, select:
"I want the earliest month possible without a permanent age-related reduction."
If you do NOT want to wait until your full retirement age to start your benefits, select:
"I will accept an age-related reduction."