Learn about the filing rules for married couples regarding retirement and spouses benefits that will help you decide when to claim your benefits. 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. You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. Many people wonder how we figure their Social. Security retirement benefit. The special rule lets us pay a full Social Security check for any whole month we consider you retired, regardless of your yearly earnings. The fastest way to file is through your Retirement Online account. Workers can claim reduced retirement benefits as early as age 62 (the early eligibility age). If you are retired, please go to the Retiree and Beneficiary Forms section.