If a person works long enough in a job or jobs, including self-employment, where Social Security taxes are deducted from wages they may qualify for social security retirement payments when they reach full retirement age (65-67). It is possible to begin receiving these benefit at the age of 62, but the payment will be lower than those received if the persons would wait until full retirement age. Apply for Medicare when you attain age 65. Spouses over age 62 and children under age 18, 18-19 AND in school or disabled and disability began before age 22 may be eligible to receive benefits.