Social Security’s full retirement age is increasing again next year, impacting when some people can claim their full benefits.
According to the Social Security Administration, the social insurance program provides retirement, disability and survivors benefits to more than 66 million people.
Beginning in 2026, Social Security’s full retirement age will reach its final scheduled increase under the Social Security Amendments of 1983, which gradually raised the full retirement age from 65 to 67 over a 22-year period.
The Social Security Administration determines an individual’s full retirement age based on their birth year, while monthly benefit amounts depend on how long they’ve worked and how much they’ve earned over their lifetime.
Here are the details you should know about Social Security’s full retirement age increase:
• Individuals born in 1959 reach full retirement age at 66 years and 10 months, this means they can claim their full Social Security benefits starting in November 2025. For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67.
• The change only applies to future beneficiaries and does not affect anyone born before 1960.
• Individuals can claim Social Security benefits as early as 62, but monthly payments will be permanently reduced if claimed before full retirement age — by as much as 30%.
• Delaying benefits past full retirement age, up to age 70, increases an individual’s monthly payments by 8% a year.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.