Can I start Social Security 2 months before FRA without issues if staying under earnings limit?

Have you checked if your Medicare premiums will be affected? Sometimes collecting early changes what you pay for Part B. Also the SSA is TERRIBLE at calculating the earnings test - they often withhold too much if you're still working, then you have to wait for them to pay you back. Happened to me and it was a NIGHTMARE getting it fixed!!!

The reduction for starting 2 months early is actually about 1.1% (approximately 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months before FRA). The bigger consideration is whether you're still working. The earnings limit applies to the whole calendar year, not just the months before you reach FRA. However, there is a special rule for the year you reach FRA - only earnings before the month you reach FRA count toward the limit, and the limit is higher ($78,500 for 2025). Since you mention not exceeding the limit before your FRA month, you should be fine. Just make sure to report your expected earnings accurately when you apply. Another thing to consider: if you're married, starting early will slightly reduce any potential spousal benefits your partner might receive on your record.

tbh two months early is nothing. im taking mine at 62 cuz who knows if social security will even be around in 5 years lol. bird in hand and all that.

I tried calling SSA to ask about almost this exact situation a few months ago but gave up after being on hold for over an hour three different times! The whole system is SO frustrating. I finally got through using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they basically call SSA for you and then connect you when an agent is on the line. Saved me hours of waiting. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent told me something important: if you're going to be anywhere close to the earnings limit, they might withhold benefits preemptively based on your estimate, then you'll get paid back later if you earned less. So keep that in mind for your cash flow planning!

I started 3 months before my FRA last year and regret it. Not because of the tiny reduction but because of the TAX implications. If you're still working, getting SS might push you into a higher tax bracket where up to 85% of your benefits become taxable. Did you factor that in?

Since you're only claiming 2 months early and will be under the earnings limit, you're avoiding the biggest potential pitfalls. The only other consideration is the domino effect on other benefits. For example: 1. If you have a spouse who might claim on your record later, their spousal benefit would be based on your reduced amount 2. If you pass away, survivor benefits would be based on your reduced amount 3. If you have ex-spouses who might claim on your record (marriages that lasted 10+ years), their benefits could be affected But with only a 1.1% reduction, these effects are minimal. The most important thing is to properly estimate your earnings for the year when you apply so SSA doesn't incorrectly withhold benefits.

wait does the earnings limit only apply before FRA? so after september you could earn a million bucks and they dont care?

my brother started his ss 3 months before fra and social security messed up his payments 3 times!!! first they didnt pay him at all then they paid him too much then they suddenly stopped his payments saying he earned too much but he was already retired!! it took months to fix, just be warned their system is a mess!!!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! Based on your advice, it sounds like claiming 2 months early shouldn't cause major issues in my situation. I'll double-check the tax implications and make sure I clearly communicate my earnings expectations to SSA when I apply. I'll also be careful to watch for any calculation errors in the first few months. Really appreciate all the insights!