Last fact-check: July 27, 2026 · Primary source: Social Security Administration · General information, not individualized retirement advice
Quick answer
Your Social Security full retirement age (FRA) depends on birth year. It is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. Claiming before FRA permanently reduces the monthly retirement benefit; delaying after FRA earns credits only until age 70.
Key takeaways
- A worker with FRA 67 who claims at 62 receives 70% of the full retirement amount under SSA’s example.
- For people born in 1943 or later, delayed credits accrue at 8% per year after FRA.
- Claiming is personal; use the estimate for your own earnings record rather than a national maximum.
Full retirement age by birth year
| Birth year | Full retirement age |
|---|---|
| 1943–1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 |
SSA applies a special birthday rule: if you were born on January 1, use the previous birth year in its FRA calculator.
What claiming age changes
| Claiming stage | General effect |
|---|---|
| Age 62 when FRA is 67 | SSA’s worker example pays 70% of the full retirement amount |
| At full retirement age | 100% of the unreduced retirement amount |
| After FRA through age 70 | Monthly delayed retirement credits increase the benefit; credits stop at 70 |
The 8% annual delayed-credit rate applies to people born in 1943 or later. It is not an investment return, and it does not mean waiting is best for every household.
Questions to answer before choosing a month
- What does your my Social Security estimate show at 62, FRA, and 70?
- Do you need income now, or can other resources cover the delay?
- Will you keep working before FRA? Earnings-test rules may temporarily withhold some benefits.
- How do health, longevity, survivor needs, taxes, pensions, and household cash flow affect the decision?
- Have you planned Medicare enrollment separately?
Medicare is a separate clock: Delaying Social Security does not automatically mean you should delay Medicare. SSA specifically warns people who delay retirement benefits to address Medicare enrollment around age 65 when required.
A safer comparison process
- Open your personalized estimate and confirm the earnings record.
- Compare monthly amounts at the actual months you are considering.
- Model household cash flow, taxes, and health-insurance costs.
- Review spouse and survivor implications where relevant.
- Use SSA’s final estimate and application confirmation before relying on a payment amount.
Related guides
- Average and maximum Social Security benefits in 2026
- How to check your Social Security estimate
- How to apply for Social Security retirement
- Medicare enrollment periods
Official sources
- SSA — Retirement Age Calculator and chart
- SSA — Claiming reductions for people born in 1960 or later
- SSA — Delayed Retirement Credits
- SSA — my Social Security
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. The age schedule and claiming percentages were checked against the linked SSA pages on July 27, 2026. This guide does not recommend a claiming age for any person. The Guru Gazette is independent and is not affiliated with SSA.