I work from 1981 until 2015 full time got lay off.(2015) Now Working par time for the city of San jose ca Only 10 hrs a week.
Can I apply for social security at age 62?

Hi. Yes, anyone who has at least 40 quarters (QC) of Social Security covered earnings can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you continue working and if you earn more than the earnings test exempt amount, Social Security will need to withhold $1 of your benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of the exempt amount. The earnings test exempt amount in 2023 is $21,240. The exempt amount is higher in the year you reach full retirement age (FRA), and there is no limit on the amount you can earn and still collect all of your benefits starting with the month you reach FRA.

Also, assuming that you were born in 1960 or later, claiming your Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 62 results in your benefit rate to be reduced to roughly 70% of the amount you'd receive if you waited until your FRA to start drawing benefits. Your best filing option depends on many different factors, so before applying you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry