You can find your full retirement age using the SSA age chart or by signing in to your Social Security account. This age determines when you qualify for full retirement benefits and how claiming earlier or later affects your monthly check. Specifically, if you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67. For those born between 1943 and 1959, it ranges from 66 to 66 years and 10 months, depending on their birth year.
With this age in mind, you can better understand how the timing of your claim affects your benefits. Claiming before your full retirement age permanently reduces your monthly payment, while delaying beyond that age increases it until age 70. These differences are important when evaluating how Social Security fits into your overall retirement income.
Understanding these differences can help you compare your claiming options, but deciding when to start receiving benefits may still be difficult. To help you make a more informed decision, our free Advisor Quiz can match you with up to three fiduciary advisors who can help you assess your options and plan for retirement.
The Full Retirement Age Chart
Your full retirement age depends on your birth year and ranges from 66 to 67 for people born in 1943 or later. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses this age to calculate how much your monthly retirement benefit will be reduced if you claim early.
According to the SSA retirement age chart, the full retirement age gradually increases by two months for each birth year from 1955 through 1959. The table below shows the full retirement age for each birth year and the percentage reduction if you start receiving benefits at age 62.
For example, someone born in 1954 who claimed benefits at age 62 would receive 75% of their full retirement benefit. In comparison, a person born in 1960 or later would receive 70% when claiming at the same age. This difference reflects the higher full retirement age for younger birth years.
It's also important to understand the difference between full retirement age and Medicare eligibility. While Medicare generally begins at age 65, your full Social Security retirement age may be later.
Note: If you were born on January 1, the SSA generally uses the full retirement age for the previous birth year. Additionally, spousal benefits follow a separate reduction schedule, so the percentages shown in the table apply only to your own retirement benefits.
How to Find Out Your Full Retirement Age and Your Own Numbers
You can check your full retirement age and estimated monthly Social Security benefits through SSA’s online services or by contacting the agency directly. These estimates are based on your earnings history and show the monthly benefit you could receive at different claiming ages.
The following options help you access your benefit information and contact SSA for additional assistance.
- Online: Sign in to your my Social Security account to view your Social Security Statement, earnings history, and estimated monthly retirement benefits for claiming ages from 62 to 70.
- By Mail: Request a paper Social Security Statement using Form SSA-7004.
- By Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance with your retirement benefits or questions about your records.
- In Person: Visit your local Social Security office to discuss your benefits, review available services, or apply for retirement benefits.
After accessing your Social Security information, review your earnings history to confirm that all reported income is accurate. Missing or incorrect earnings may affect your estimated benefits. If you notice any errors, contact SSA to request a correction.
What Full Retirement Age Actually Means
Full retirement age is the age when you qualify for 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit, known as your primary insurance amount (PIA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates this amount using your earnings history, and it serves as the reference point for benefits claimed at different ages.
This age does not determine when you must retire or begin receiving Social Security. Instead, you can choose when to claim based on your financial needs, retirement goals, and personal circumstances.
Claiming Early: A Smaller Check for Life
Claiming Social Security before your full retirement age permanently reduces your monthly benefit. The reduction amount depends on when you start receiving payments. Each month you delay claiming before reaching full retirement age reduces the percentage deducted from your benefit.
Despite this reduction, claiming early may be suitable if you need retirement income sooner. Health concerns or a shorter life expectancy may also affect your decision. In these situations, receiving Social Security benefits sooner may be more beneficial than waiting for a higher monthly payment.
Additionally, reversing an early claiming decision can be difficult. The SSA generally allows you to withdraw your retirement application only within 12 months of becoming entitled to benefits. You can use this option once in your lifetime and must repay all benefits received, including payments made to family members on your record.
Waiting Past It: Delayed Retirement Credits Until 70
Delaying Social Security beyond your full retirement age increases your monthly benefit through delayed retirement credits. For people born in 1943 or later, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides an 8% annual increase, or two-thirds of 1% for each month you delay claiming. These increases stop at age 70. For example, if your full retirement age is 67, claiming at 70 provides 124% of your full retirement benefit.
Although delaying benefits increases your monthly payments, it also means going without Social Security income during those years. As a result, you may need to rely on employment income, personal savings, or your spouse's earnings to cover expenses.
Additionally, delaying Social Security may increase your lifetime benefits if you collect the higher payments for enough years. A higher monthly benefit may also increase the survivor benefit available to your spouse. Because life expectancy is uncertain, assess your financial needs and retirement circumstances before deciding when to claim.
If You Claim Early and Keep Working
You can continue working while receiving Social Security before your full retirement age. However, earning above certain limits may cause the Social Security Administration (SSA) to withhold some benefits temporarily. Under the SSA earnings test, the amount withheld depends on your earnings and when you reach full retirement age.
If you remain below full retirement age throughout 2026, you can earn up to $24,480 without having benefits withheld. Above this limit, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 earned. During the year you reach full retirement age, the limit increases to $65,160. SSA then withholds $1 for every $3 earned above that amount, counting only earnings before the month you reach full retirement age. From that month onward, these restrictions no longer apply.
Importantly, you don't permanently lose withheld benefits. At full retirement age, SSA recalculates your benefit to account for months when it withheld payments. The earnings test also applies only to wages and net self-employment income. Pensions, annuities, interest, and investment earnings do not count toward these limits.
Where the Decision Turns Personal
The best age to claim Social Security depends on your financial needs, health, family circumstances, and retirement plans. While your full retirement age is determined by your birth year, choosing when to receive benefits requires a closer look at your personal situation. To help you evaluate these factors, the SSA's When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits guide highlights several considerations.
The following sections explain how each may affect your decision:
Your Spouse and Survivor Benefits
Your claiming decision can affect both your retirement income and your spouse's available benefits. Generally, your spouse cannot receive spousal benefits based on your earnings record until you begin receiving your own retirement benefits.
The impact may become more significant after one spouse dies. Under SSA survivor rules, the surviving spouse generally receives the higher applicable benefit rather than both full payments. The amount may be reduced if the deceased spouse claimed early. It may also include delayed retirement credits. For couples with a significant difference in earnings, the higher earner's claiming decision can have a greater impact on the surviving spouse's future benefits.
Your Health and Life Expectancy
Your health and life expectancy can also affect when you start receiving Social Security benefits. A longer retirement may favor delaying benefits to receive higher monthly payments. In contrast, claiming earlier may be more suitable if you expect a shorter retirement.
Still, predicting lifespan is difficult. Your current health and family medical history may offer some guidance, but neither can predict exactly how long you will live. The Actuaries Longevity Illustrator can help you explore different life expectancy estimates as you evaluate your options.
Your Retirement Income and Taxes
Beyond health and family circumstances, your other income sources can also shape your claiming decision. If you delay Social Security, you may need to cover expenses through employment income, pensions, or retirement savings. The accounts you withdraw from during this period can also affect your tax obligations.
Social Security benefits themselves may be taxable. According to the SSA, up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax, depending on your combined income. These income thresholds have never been adjusted for inflation, making tax planning another factor in your retirement decision.
Your Medicare Enrollment
Alongside your income planning, Medicare enrollment requires separate attention. Medicare eligibility generally begins at age 65, regardless of when you claim Social Security.
If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, Medicare enrollment is generally not automatic. As the SSA explains, you may need to enroll separately to avoid potential coverage gaps or late-enrollment penalties.
Together, these considerations can help you weigh the trade-offs of different claiming ages and decide based on your retirement priorities.
Free Help, Paid Help, and Where an Advisor Fits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides free assistance with retirement benefits, while private consultants offer paid guidance on claiming options. A fiduciary financial advisor can help you understand how Social Security fits into your overall retirement strategy.
For direct assistance, SSA can explain benefit rules, review your earnings record, and provide estimates for different claiming ages. You can also apply without paying anyone. If you need personalized support, independent Social Security consultants may help you compare your options for a fee. Before hiring one, check their qualifications, services, and costs.
When Social Security decisions involve other financial priorities, a fiduciary advisor can help you understand how your claiming strategy interacts with your investments, withdrawals, and overall retirement plan.
Confused About Your Social Security Options? Our Free Advisor Quiz Can Help You Find an Advisor
Choosing when to claim Social Security can be difficult because the decision affects your retirement income. To make a good choice, consider your household expenses, available savings, and future financial needs. Without a clear understanding of these factors, you may struggle to decide when to start receiving benefits.
To address this uncertainty, a fiduciary financial advisor can review your financial situation and explain how different claiming options fit into your retirement plan. This personalized guidance can help you weigh the potential benefits and trade-offs before deciding.
If you need professional support, our free Advisor Quiz can match you with up to three fiduciary advisors based on your financial needs. Connect with an advisor to discuss your options and explore a retirement strategy that aligns with your long-term goals.
FAQs
Can I Receive Social Security Benefits If I Have Never Worked?
Yes. You may qualify for Social Security benefits through your spouse's or former spouse's work record, even without your own employment history. Your eligibility depends on factors such as marital status, age, and the other person's eligibility for benefits.
Can I Receive Social Security Benefits While Living Abroad?
Yes. Many eligible U.S. citizens can receive Social Security retirement benefits while living outside the United States. Since payment restrictions apply in certain countries, check SSA's rules for your destination before relocating.
Can I Change My Social Security Payment Date?
No. You generally cannot choose or change your Social Security payment date because the SSA assigns payment schedules based on your birth date and certain eligibility rules. Exceptions may apply to people receiving benefits under older payment arrangements.
Can I Receive Social Security Benefits Through Direct Deposit?
Yes. You can deposit Social Security retirement benefits directly into an eligible bank or credit union account. You can establish or update your direct deposit information through SSA's available services, which reduces the need to handle paper checks.
Do I Need to Be a U.S. Citizen to Receive Social Security Retirement Benefits?
No. Certain noncitizens can qualify for Social Security retirement benefits if they meet the applicable work credit, immigration status, and eligibility requirements. Their payment rules may differ depending on where they live and their citizenship status.
