Your Full Retirement Age Depends on the Year You Were Born

Full retirement age is the age at which Social Security pays you 100 percent of your monthly benefit amount. It is not 65 — that was true decades ago, but the law changed in 1983. Your full retirement age is now between 66 and 67, depending on which year you were born.

If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960, it increases by two months for each year you were born, landing somewhere between 66 and 2 months and 67. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

The Social Security Administration publishes a table that shows the exact age for your birth year. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your full retirement age. Knowing this number matters because it affects how much you receive if you claim early or delay claiming.

Key Takeaways

  • Full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year, not age 65.
  • If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age, your monthly payment is permanently reduced.
  • If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent per year until age 70.
  • You can find your exact full retirement age on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What Happens If You Claim Before Full Retirement Age

You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but claiming before your full retirement age means a smaller monthly check for the rest of your life. The reduction is permanent — it does not increase later when you reach full retirement age.

The amount of the reduction depends on how many months early you claim. If your full retirement age is 67 and you claim at 62, you lose roughly 30 percent of your benefit. If you claim at 65, you lose roughly 13 percent. The exact percentage varies slightly based on your birth year.

Some people claim early because they need the money now or have health concerns. Others claim early and continue working, which can trigger a separate earnings limit — Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain threshold (the threshold changes yearly). This earnings limit ends once you reach your full retirement age.

What Happens If You Delay Past Full Retirement Age

If you wait to claim Social Security after your full retirement age, your monthly payment grows. For each year you delay, your benefit increases by roughly 8 percent per year. This increase stops at age 70, so there is no financial benefit to waiting past 70.

Delaying makes the most sense if you are in good health, have family history of longevity, or do not need the money when ready. The higher monthly payment can be especially valuable if you live into your 80s or 90s, because you will have received fewer total checks but each one is larger.

Married couples sometimes use delay strategically. One spouse may claim at full retirement age while the other delays, allowing the household to receive some income now while building a larger benefit for later. The rules around spousal benefits have changed in recent years, so it is worth reviewing your specific situation with Social Security directly.

How to Find Your Exact Full Retirement Age

The Social Security Administration publishes a chart on its website (ssa.gov) that lists full retirement age by birth year. Find your birth year in the left column, and your full retirement age appears in the right column. The chart covers everyone born in 1943 and later.

You can also create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you log in, your full retirement age appears on your account dashboard, along with estimates of what you would receive if you claim at different ages. This account also shows your earnings record, which affects your benefit amount.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives can confirm your full retirement age and answer questions about how claiming at different ages would affect your payment. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or on weekdays.

Full Retirement Age and Your Benefit Amount

Your full retirement age is one of two main things that determine your monthly Social Security payment. The other is your earnings history — Social Security calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. The longer you worked and the more you earned, the higher your benefit at any age.

Social Security sends you a benefit estimate statement once a year if you have a my Social Security account. The statement shows what you would receive at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70. These estimates assume you continue working at your current pace until you claim.

If you have not worked the full 35 years, Social Security counts the missing years as zero, which lowers your average. Government employees who did not pay into Social Security may face a reduction called the Government Pension Offset or Windfall Elimination Provision. These rules are complex, and Social Security can explain how they explore to you.

Common Mistakes People Make About Full Retirement Age

The biggest mistake is assuming full retirement age is 65. Many people grew up hearing that 65 was retirement age, and they do not realize the law changed. If you claim at 65 thinking you are at full retirement age, you may be claiming early without realizing it and accepting a permanent reduction.

Another mistake is claiming early without understanding the earnings limit. If you claim at 62 and keep working, Social Security may reduce or withhold your benefit entirely if you earn above the yearly threshold. Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit disappears and you can work without penalty.

Some people delay claiming thinking they will receive a lump sum of back pay for the months they waited. Social Security does not work that way. You receive the higher monthly amount going forward, but you do not receive payments for the months you did not claim. This is why the decision to delay is really a bet on how long you will live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Social Security before my full retirement age?

Yes, you can claim as early as age 62. Your monthly payment will be permanently reduced compared to what you would receive at your full retirement age. The reduction is roughly 30 percent if you claim at 62 and your full retirement age is 67, but the exact amount depends on your birth year.

What is the difference between full retirement age and Medicare age?

Full retirement age for Social Security is between 66 and 67. Medicare may be able to access begins at 65 for most people. You can claim Medicare at 65 even if you do not claim Social Security until later. The two programs are separate, though many people become may be able to access for both around the same time.

Does my full retirement age change if I was born on January 1?

Social Security treats people born on January 1 as if they were born the previous year. So if you were born on January 1, 1955, Social Security counts you as born in 1954 for the purpose of determining your full retirement age. Call Social Security to confirm your exact age if your birthday is January 1.

What if I missed the important date to claim Social Security?

There is no important date to claim Social Security. You can claim at any age from 62 onward. However, if you are past your full retirement age and did not claim, you may be able to request back pay for up to six months. Social Security can explain what you might receive if you claim now.

Does working longer increase my Social Security benefit?

Yes, if you work longer, Social Security recalculates your benefit using your new earnings. Each year you work, Social Security may drop one of your lowest-earning years from the 35-year average, which can raise your benefit. This is separate from the increase you get by delaying your claim past full retirement age.