In the US many of those who have been working for decades and paying into social security are now planning for their retirement. This Retirement Benefit in the US fully depends on the age of the retirees. The Full Retirement Age in the US is the age when retirees can receive their full pension benefit without any reductions.

In 2025, the FRA is at 67 years and many retirees see updates like the U.S. Social Security Retirement Age Rising In 2025. With such updates retirees might wonder when they will retire?

U.S. Social Security Retirement Age Rising In 2025

In the past, the FRA was fixed at age 65 years. But starting in the 1980s, the US government began an increase in the FRA to keep social security financially stable as Americans live longer. These raises have been happening so slowly that many people don’t notice them. In fact, in 2025 we see a clear example of this raise, like those who are born in 1960 or over will have to wait until age 67 to get their full amount.

But those who are born in 1959 have a lower FRA of 66 Years 10 months. That means being born just one year later adds two more months to the age that retirees need to wait before collecting their benefits. This is how the U.S. Social Security Retirement Age Rising In 2025.

US Social Security FRA Increase In 2025 Overview

DepartmentSocial Security AdministrationProgram NameSocial Security Retirement BenefitCountryUSAWho Can Claim?Eligible RetireesFRA in 202567 YearsAge Criteria62 Years with reduced monthly benefitsImpactRetirement benefit delayReason for ChangeTo maintain social security long term financial stabilityCategoryGovernment AidOfficial Websitehttps://www.ssa.gov/

US Full Retirement Age 2025

The FRA differs from retiree to retiree based on their birth year. Let’s check what’s the FRA for US residents who have paid into the system:

Year of Birth Full Retirement Age Change From Previous Year 1943 – 195466 Years–195566 Years + 2 Months+ 2 Months195666 Years + 4 Months+ 2 Months195766 Years + 6 Months+ 2 Months195866 Years + 8 Months+ 2 Months195966 Years + 10 Months+ 2 Months1960 or later67 Years+ 2 Months

Check out the above table to know what the retirement age is based on the birth year and also check how this retirement age rises with the birth year. Suppose there is one person who was born in 1959 and there is another person who was born in 1960. Now we can clearly see that both these persons have an age difference of 1 year but the retirement age of both differs. The person who was born in 1960 has to wait two extra 2 months to get their benefit rather than the person who was born in 1959.

Why Is the US Retirement Age Rising

The main reason for the retirement age raise is the longer life expectancy. It means the US residents are living longer and this results in more social security benefits collection. At the same time the social security trust funds are shrinking. To help maintain the program stability and ensure each retiree who paid in the system can get their pension benefit.

This raise in the FRA is not new but it is part of the phased plan that was already implemented and this previous policy continues to affect new retirees each year.

FAQs

What is the Full Retirement Age in 2025?

The Full Retirement Age in 2025 is 67 years for those who are born in 1960 or later.

Is this Social Security FRA Raise a new policy change in 2025?

No, this Social Security FRA raise is not part of a new policy change in 2025. But it’s a part of the phase in plan from 1983 social security reforms.

Can US residents claim the Retirement benefit before their FRA?

Yes, US residents can claim their retirement benefits before their FRA as the SSA allows retirement benefits to be started at the age of 62 years.

Why is the FRA Retirement Age being raised?

The Full Retirement age is raised due to longer life expectancy and financial strain on the social security trust funds.

Where can retirees check out their FRA?

The retirees can check out their full retirement age via the SSA official portal or SSA Retirement Benefit calculator.