Social Security Retirement Age Calculator
Enter your birth year to find your full retirement age, when you can first claim benefits, and when you'd receive the maximum monthly payment.
What is full retirement age?
Your full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you're entitled to 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit. It's set by the Social Security Administration and is based entirely on your birth year — not when you stop working.
For anyone born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. For those born between 1955 and 1959, it phases up in two-month increments. For those born in 1954 or earlier, the FRA is 66 or lower.
You can claim as early as 62 — but with a permanent benefit reduction. Waiting past your FRA increases your benefit by 8% per year, up to age 70. Knowing your FRA is the starting point for any retirement income strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is full retirement age for Social Security?
Full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you receive 100% of your Social Security benefit. It ranges from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year. For anyone born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67.
When can I start collecting Social Security?
You can start collecting as early as age 62. However, claiming before your full retirement age permanently reduces your monthly benefit — by as much as 30% if your FRA is 67. You don't have to stop working to claim, but earnings limits may apply before FRA.
What happens if I wait until 70 to collect Social Security?
For every year you delay past your full retirement age (up to age 70), your benefit grows by 8%. Waiting until 70 can result in a monthly payment that is 24–32% higher than your full retirement amount, depending on your birth year. There is no benefit to waiting past age 70.
Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or wait?
It depends on your health, financial needs, and life expectancy. Claiming at 62 gives you more years of payments at a reduced rate. Waiting until 70 yields the highest monthly benefit. Most financial advisors suggest waiting at least until your full retirement age if possible, and longer if you're in good health and don't need the income right away.
How is Social Security full retirement age determined?
The SSA sets your FRA based on your birth year. It was 65 for those born before 1938, gradually increased to 66 for those born 1943–1954, and phases to 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. This calculator uses the official SSA schedule.