In this guide
Full retirement age, often shortened to FRA, is the age at which you can claim your full Social Security retirement benefit. Claim earlier and the monthly amount is permanently reduced. Claim later and it grows. Which age applies to you depends on the year you were born.
Full retirement age by birth year
| Born | Full retirement age |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Congress raised the age gradually in 1983 to reflect longer life expectancy, which is why people born a few years apart have different FRAs.
Claiming early at 62
The earliest you can claim retirement benefits is 62. For someone whose full retirement age is 67, claiming at 62 means a benefit of about 70% of the full amount, a permanent reduction of roughly 30%.
Waiting until 70
For each year you delay past full retirement age, up to age 70, your benefit rises by about 8%. For someone with an FRA of 67, waiting until 70 gives about 124% of the full benefit. There is no extra gain from waiting past 70.
Working while claiming early
If you claim before full retirement age and keep working, an earnings limit applies and some benefits can be withheld until you reach FRA. The limit changes each year, so check the current figure on the official website.
Medicare is a different age
People often confuse the two. Medicare eligibility generally starts at 65, whatever your full retirement age is.
How the age is counted
The Social Security Administration treats you as attaining an age on the day before your birthday, which can affect the exact month benefits start for people born on the 1st of a month. Our calculator gives an estimate based on the birth date and does not replace your official record.
Where to check
Use the official Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) to see your own earnings record and benefit estimates. This guide is general information, not financial advice, and rules can change.
Try the calculators
- Retirement Age Calculator: Full retirement age and date (US)
- Age Calculator by Date of Birth: Exact age, total days lived, next birthday
- Birthday Calculator: Day you were born, zodiac, generation
General information only, not professional advice. See our editorial policy.