Learn about the filing rules for married couples regarding retirement and spouses benefits that will help you decide when to claim your benefits. You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62.Apply for your monthly retirement benefit any time between age 62 and 70. Time to take action. It is important that you complete and submit your paperwork 30-60 days prior to your retirement to continue your coverages. As the full retirement age goes up, benefits claimed at earlier ages go down. The form instructions require the employer to send a copy of the completed SSA-1945 to the employee's "pension paying agency." At the end of each year, we'll mail you a Social Security. Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) that shows the amount of benefits you received. Getting Ready to Retire?