I'm 54
I have worked in dum jobs since I was 16,
I'm ready to just kick back and try to enjoy the rest of my life.
When can I retire? At what age? Can I retire now and apply for my SS?

In the US it is 62 years of age, in Canada 65, although in Canada we can take our Canada Pension at 60 which is a supplement to our Old age security and only if one has worked to pay inito it.

Hello boop:

I wonder if you've taken a realistic look at your future. Your post leads me to think you haven't.

At 54, unless you have a couple hundred grand stowed away toward your retirement, you're probably NOT going to be able to retire. Oh yes, at 62 or 65 you'll get a SS check. But you can't live on it. You'll even be eligible for free health care.

But, if you mean "retire" as in kicking back (and I see that you do), then I think you have another think coming. If you're just a working stiff with nothing put away, you're going to be working forever!

excon

Actually the age for retirement is being moved a little further back for various age groups, without exactly looking up the social security site, I think in your age range to get full, you have to work to about 67 now to retire.

Also I do hope you are not expecting to live off social security retirment pay, I would assume if you are expecting to kick back, that you have a IRA or 401K that you have saved up a lot of money to use for your retirmenet.

I worked until I was 62 and retired --- I don't think most people are ready to retire

I really didn't mind working -- Someone else decided I was done -- What a mess

No paycheck and bills do not stop -- Looking for work was a big joke -- too old

Then my landlord of ten years decided he wanted his house back -- HAD TO MOVE!

I get check from Social Security and Retirement Ha Ha Ha -- Good Luck

I started collecting my OAS in Canada at 65, that is $502. Per month and when my husband turns 65, mine will be reduced to half. I also collect my Canada Pension, which not all Canadians have unless they worked most of the last 30 years or so. I also retain my health coverage through OHIP and receive my meds at $6.ll each one. This works for me and I worked hard to get to this point as well.

They also passed a new law here in Canada whereby anyone 65 or older can still work, but not contribute to their Canada Pension (because they are already collecting it). I am having the time of my life not retiring. I love my job in the Canadian healthcare sector and plan on working till 70 plus. I also still have my stained glass business and only take commissions if the subject matter appeals to me; I am well known enough in my community that I can pick what I want to work on.

Who the heck wants to give up being a contributing factor, not me !

If you kicked around to many jobs you may not have contributed to SS at all of them. You should check with SS to see how many quarters you have paid and what you benefits will be and when. I think you'll need to keep working. I retired at 55 with a full state pension and have had 5 PT jobs since.