Age 62 is the earliest point at which you can claim Social Security. But if you file at that age, you'll reduce the monthly benefit you're entitled to collect -- potentially for life.

Turning 62 is a major milestone in the United States because it is the earliest age at which you can begin claiming Social Security retirement benefits. While claiming at 62 allows you to access your funds sooner, it comes with a permanent reduction in your monthly payment—typically about 30% less than what you would receive if you waited until your Full Retirement Age (67 for those born after 1960). Beyond Social Security, 62 is often the age when many private pension plans allow for "early retirement" options. For travelers, it often unlocks a new tier of senior discounts; for example, at 62, you become eligible for the National Park Senior Pass, which provides lifetime access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. It is essentially the "early door" to retirement, offering a trade-off between immediate financial freedom and the higher long-term payouts of waiting until age 65 or 70.