Filing & Enrollment
Complete Guide on Social Security Claiming Age and Requirements
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 19, 2026
The short answer
Social Security claiming age involves specific requirements for evidence and entitlement. Claimants must establish their date of birth (DB) to determine eligibility. Certain claimants, especially those age 73 or older, may use a lesser standard of evidence.
Requirements for Evidence at Age 73 or Older
Claimants who are age 73 or older may have their date of birth determined based on two documents recorded at least 5 years prior to the filing date, indicating they are at least age 73. A public or religious record of birth established before age 5 need not be requested. This rule can generally be used unless there is evidence suggesting the claimant may be under age 73 (GN 00302.040, D).
GN 00302.040 View source ›Establishing Age for Disallowed Claimants
When a claimant is disallowed for not attaining the required age, they must establish a specific date of birth to know when they may become eligible for benefits. Cooperative claimants should explore and obtain all known records of age (GN 00302.007, B).
GN 00302.007 View source ›Claimant Age and Entitlement Requirements
To be entitled to retirement benefits, a claimant must be fully insured, have attained age 62, and filed an application. Birth on the first or second day of the month allows eligibility for the month of their 62nd birthday, provided that the birth is after August 1981 (RS 00201.001, A).
RS 00201.001 View source ›Full Retirement Age and Benefit Eligibility
Full retirement age (FRA) for those born after 1/1/1960 is age 67. For individuals born before 1/2/1938, FRA for retirement and spouse's benefits is age 65. For those born between 1/2/1938 and 1/1/1960, FRA increases incrementally from age 65 to age 67 (RS 00615.004, 3).
RS 00615.004 View source ›Policies on Filing and Insurance
Individuals age 64 years and 9 months or older should decide if they want to file for both monthly benefits and Medicare. Filing procedures vary based on whether claimants file for Retirement Insurance Benefits or only Hospital Insurance (HI 00801.027, A).
HI 00801.027 View source ›Frequently asked
What evidence is needed to claim Social Security at age 73?
For claimants age 73 or older, evidence of age may be determined by two documents recorded at least 5 years prior, indicating they are at least age 73.
When can I claim Social Security benefits if born on the first day of the month?
Individuals born on the first or second day of the month can be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday if the date of birth is after August 1981.
What is the full retirement age for Social Security?
Full retirement age is 67 for those born after 1/1/1960 and increases incrementally from 65 to 67 for those born between 1/2/1938 and 1/1/1960.
What are the requirements for filing Medicare along with Social Security?
At age 64 years and 9 months, individuals can decide whether to file for both monthly benefits and Medicare or for Medicare only.