QUESTION: What is the earliest age that I can apply for my Social Security retirement benefits?ANSWER: If you want benefits to begin at age 62 — the earliest age you can receive reduced retirement benefits, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months of age to apply. Keep in mind your benefits will be reduced so evaluate your options carefully, Even if you are not ready to retire, you should still sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. You can do both online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

QUESTION: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that affect me?ANSWER: It depends on your age. If you are full retirement age or older when you first apply, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to file and receive benefits on just your spouse's Social Security record. This way, you could delay filing for benefits on your own record in order to receive delayed retirement credits.By filing only for benefits as a spouse, you may receive a higher retirement benefit on your own record later based on the effect of delayed retirement credits. You can earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70 as long as you do not collect your own benefits.Since the rules vary depending on the situation, you should talk to a Social Security representative. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration.