No, you cannot get a higher benefit if you retire early. Retiring early will actually lead to a lower benefit payment. You must wait until your full retirement age to start your benefits in order to receive your full benefit amount. Although you can start your benefits as early as age 62, you will see roughly a 0.5% reduction in your benefit amount for each month that you start your benefits early. However, you can get a higher benefit by delaying the start of your benefits.