Here's the Max Social Security Benefit at Age 62 -- and How to Get It

Here's the Max Social Security Benefit at Age 62 -- and How to Get It James Brumley, The Motley Fool Mon, August 17, 2026 at 11:50 AM EDT 4 min read You probably already know Social Security's so-called full retirement age (FRA) for anyone born in or after 1960 is 67 years old. You may also know, however, that you aren't required to wait that long before filing for the program's retirement benefits. You can claim as soon as you reach 62 years of age. Doing so will simply reduce your monthly payment by up to 30% less than what you would have received by waiting until you turn 67. And this begs the question: What's the biggest possible Social Security benefit for those who file in the very same month they turn 62? And for that matter, how does one max out this payment? Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again.  In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia.  Continue » Image source: Getty Images. Maxing out your Social Security payment First things first. This year's maximum possible monthly Social Security payment for 62-year-olds is $2,969, versus $4,152 for anyone claiming at their official full retirement age. For anyone waiting until they turn 70, by the way, the payment tops out at $5,181 per month . The key to collecting any of these maximum amounts at these respective ages is the same,…