Full retirement age by birth year
Full retirement age, also called normal retirement age, is the age at which you can claim your full Social Security retirement benefit. The 1983 Social Security Amendments raised it gradually from 65 to 67.
| Year of birth | Full retirement age |
|---|---|
| 1937 or earlier | 65 |
| 1938 | 65 and 2 months |
| 1939 | 65 and 4 months |
| 1940 | 65 and 6 months |
| 1941 | 65 and 8 months |
| 1942 | 65 and 10 months |
| 1943 to 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 |
If you were born on January 1, use the previous year. Source: Social Security Administration, retirement age by year of birth.
Claiming early or late
You can start retirement benefits as early as 62, but each month before full retirement age permanently lowers your monthly check. Waiting past full retirement age earns delayed retirement credits of 8% a year until 70.
| Claim at | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full retirement age 66 | 75% | 80% | 86.7% | 93.3% | 100% | 108% | 116% | 124% | 132% |
| Full retirement age 67 | 70% | 75% | 80% | 86.7% | 93.3% | 100% | 108% | 116% | 124% |
late: +2/3 of 1% per month (8% a year) up to age 70
Sources: SSA, benefit reduction for early retirement and delayed retirement credits. Spousal benefits are reduced differently.
Example
Someone born on June 15, 1965 has a full retirement age of 67, which they reach on June 15, 2032. Claiming at 62 would pay 70% of their full benefit for life; waiting until 70 would pay 124%.
Plan the rest of your retirement
- Count the days to your retirement date, with key ages like 59½, 65 and 73, in the retirement date calculator.
- Check whether your savings will last with the retirement calculator.
- This page is an educational guide, not financial advice. Your own record and estimates are at my Social Security.
Frequently asked questions
What is my full retirement age?
Your full retirement age depends on the year you were born. It is 66 for people born from 1943 to 1954, rises by 2 months a year for 1955 to 1959, and is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Enter your birth date in the calculator to see your exact age and the date you reach it.
Is full retirement age 67?
Yes, for everyone born in 1960 or later. People born from 1955 to 1959 have a full retirement age between 66 and 2 months and 66 and 10 months, and people born from 1943 to 1954 reach it at 66.
What if I was born on January 1?
Social Security treats you as born in the previous year, because you legally reach an age the day before your birthday. Someone born on January 1, 1960 has the full retirement age of the 1959 group: 66 and 10 months.
How much less do I get if I claim at 62?
Claiming before full retirement age permanently reduces your monthly benefit by 5/9 of 1% for each of the first 36 months early, and 5/12 of 1% for each month beyond that. With a full retirement age of 67, claiming at 62 pays 70% of the full benefit, a 30% cut.
How much more do I get if I wait until 70?
Each month you wait past full retirement age adds 2/3 of 1%, or 8% a year, until age 70. With a full retirement age of 67, claiming at 70 pays 124% of the full benefit. There is no extra increase for waiting past 70.
Is Medicare age the same as full retirement age?
No. Medicare eligibility starts at 65 for most people, whatever your full retirement age. You can sign up during the 7-month window around your 65th birthday, even if you have not claimed Social Security.