Social Security Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
Full Retirement Age Calculator
Estimates for a worker's own retirement benefit. If born on January 1, SSA uses the prior birth year; if born on the 2nd or later, the reduction is one month less. Spousal/survivor rules differ. Source: ssa.gov.
Full retirement age by birth year
| Year of birth | Full retirement age | Benefit at 62 (reduction) | Benefit at 70 (boost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943–1954 | 66 years | −25.00% | +32.00% |
| 1955 | 66 years 2 months | −25.83% | +31.33% |
| 1956 | 66 years 4 months | −26.67% | +30.67% |
| 1957 | 66 years 6 months | −27.50% | +30.00% |
| 1958 | 66 years 8 months | −28.33% | +29.33% |
| 1959 | 66 years 10 months | −29.17% | +28.67% |
| 1960 and later | 67 years | −30.00% | +28.00% |
How the reduction and boost are calculated
- Early claim (before FRA): 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months early, then 5/12 of 1% per additional month. Example: born in 1960, FRA 67, claiming at 62 is 60 months early → 30% smaller check.
- Delayed credit (after FRA): 2/3 of 1% per month up to age 70 (8% per year). Born in 1960 reaches 124% of PIA at 70; born in 1958 reaches about 126.7%.
- Break-even: Waiting raises the monthly amount but delays checks. For most people the cumulative totals cross over in their early 80s — a longevity decision, not a fixed rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my full retirement age if I was born in 1958?
If you were born in 1958, your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 years and 8 months. You reach it in 2024–2025 depending on your birth month. At FRA you receive 100% of your primary insurance amount (PIA).
What is full retirement age for someone born in 1959?
Born in 1959, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months. Claiming at the earliest age (62) permanently reduces the benefit by 29.17%; waiting until 70 raises it by about 28.67%.
How much is Social Security reduced if I take it at 62?
The reduction depends on your birth year: 25% for 1943–1954 births, 28.33% for 1958, 29.17% for 1959, and 30% for 1960 and later. The math is 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months before FRA, then 5/12 of 1% per additional month.
What is the delayed retirement credit if I wait past FRA?
For each month you delay past FRA up to age 70, your benefit grows by 2/3 of 1% (8% per year). Someone born in 1960 reaches 124% of PIA at 70; someone born in 1958 reaches about 126.7%.
Should I claim Social Security at 62 or wait until 70?
It is a longevity bet. Claiming at 62 maximizes total checks only if you have a shorter-than-average lifespan; waiting to 70 gives the largest monthly amount and protects a surviving spouse. The break-even age is typically in the early 80s. Use the calculator and discuss with a fiduciary adviser.