In recent months, discussions about Social Security and retirement age have been gaining attention – especially around the idea that retirement at 67 is ending. However, there is no new law raising the retirement age in 2026. The age of 67 simply marks the final phase of changes that began decades ago under previously enacted legislation.
So, why are people talking about it now? Because 2026 marks the year when the full retirement age (FRA) of 67 officially applies to all individuals born in 1960 or later. Let’s break down what this means, how the system currently works, and what the future might hold.
Overview
The full retirement age is the age at which someone can receive their full Social Security retirement benefit without any reduction. It does not mean a person must stop working, and you can choose to claim benefits earlier or later – each option impacts your monthly payment amount.
AuthoritySocial Security Administration (SSA)Program NameSocial Security Retirement BenefitsTypeFederal Social Insurance ProgramCountryUnited StatesFRA in 202667 yearsEarly Claiming Age62 yearsMinimum Work Credits40 creditsCategoryNewsOfficial Websitessa.gov
Current Law
There has been no increase to the FRA in 2026. Instead, 67 has been the set FRA for anyone born in 1960 or later, a policy established through Social Security reforms passed in 1983.
People turning 62 in 2026, meaning they were born in 1964, will have their full retirement age at 67 in 2031.
Any future changes to the retirement age would require Congressional approval. As of now, no legislation has been passed to raise the FRA beyond 67.
FRA Chart
The table below shows how the full retirement age has gradually increased by birth year. This stepwise approach ended with those born in 1960 or later.
Year of BirthFull Retirement Age1943–195466 years195566 years, 2 months195666 years, 4 months195766 years, 6 months195866 years, 8 months195966 years, 10 months1960 or later67 years
Claiming Options
Even with an FRA of 67, workers have flexibility in when they begin claiming benefits:
Early Claiming: Start as early as age 62, but with a permanent reduction in benefits (around 30% less).
Delayed Claiming: Wait beyond FRA, up to age 70, and receive a monthly increase of about 8% for each year of delay.
This flexibility allows people to tailor their claiming strategy based on their personal financial needs, health status, and life expectancy.
If FRA Were Raised to 69
While no current law sets FRA beyond 67, policymakers have discussed increasing it to 69 as part of long-term Social Security reform. If such a change were passed, here’s how it could impact future retirees:
Younger workers (not current retirees) would be affected
They would wait longer to claim full benefits
Overall lifetime benefits might be reduced by ~13%
People in physically demanding jobs or with shorter life expectancy could face more hardship
Those who claim early would experience larger reductions
Checking Your Benefits
To plan for retirement effectively, individuals are encouraged to use the official SSA tools:
Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov
Use calculators to estimate future benefits
View your earnings history and see how different claiming ages impact payments
These resources offer personalized and accurate information based on current law, not on political proposals or rumors.
FAQs
Is retirement age increasing in 2026?
No, it stays at 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
What is the earliest age to claim Social Security?
You can start at age 62, but with reduced monthly benefits.
What happens if I delay claiming past 67?
Benefits increase about 8% per year until age 70.
Will the FRA increase beyond 67?
Not yet—any change would need Congress to pass a new law.
Where can I check my Social Security benefits?
Visit www.ssa.gov and create a personal account for details.