The full retirement age is the age when an individual becomes entitled to receive unreduced retirement benefits. It is also known as ‘normal retirement age’. No matter what the retirement age is, you can start receiving retirement benefits from the early age of 62, or even as late as 70.

Ithe n case of early retirement
It is possible for you to retire between age 62 and the full retirement age.

You can use the full retirement age chart to make an informed decision. You need to consider the benefits that might be available to you if you retire at the age of 62 or later. Keeping the same in mind, you can make a decision on when you wish to stop working.

Advantages and disadvantages of early retirement
There are pros and cons of taking the benefits before the full retirement age. When you retire early, you get the benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is that your benefit is reduced with passing time. However, with every individual, the situation varies.

You should remember that if you avoid the benefits until you reach the full retirement age, you may be entitled to delayed retirement credits. This would increase the amount of monthly benefits you receive. There are multiple factors you need to consider when you make a decision about retirement and you need to keep all of them in mind and not just the benefit amount. You may choose to contact Social Security before you decide to retire or you could make use of the full retirement chart for the same.

Retirement is an important decision and you need to keep your personal goals in mind. The decision should not be driven by the amount you will receive in the form of benefits. The decision should be based on numerous others factors, like your willingness or ability to work, other financial commitments, health-related issues, etc.