The Government Just Raised the Social Security Retirement Age – This Is Now the New Standard, and It Will Affect Your Future Checks

For nearly a century, age 65 was the magic number for retirement in America. But as life expectancy rose and Social Security’s trust fund faced strain, the rules quietly evolved. Now, after decades of gradual changes, the U.S. government has officially completed the final step:

The Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security is now 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later.

This marks the culmination of a 40-year phase-in that began with the 1983 Social Security Amendments, reshaping how millions of Americans plan their retirement.

Government Just Raised the Social Security Retirement Age: Overview

CategoryDetailsPolicyFull Retirement Age (FRA) AdjustmentAnnounced BySocial Security Administration (SSA)Old Standard66 years 10 months (for 1959 birth year)New Standard67 years (full benefits age for 1960 + births)Effective Year2026 (onward)Early Claim OptionFrom age 62 (with up to 30 % reduction)Delayed CreditsUp to 124 % of benefit if claimed at 70Average Monthly Benefit (2025)$2,050Maximum Benefit (at 70)$5,108

Why the Retirement Age Changed

When Social Security launched in 1935, the retirement age was 65 — and the average life expectancy was 61. By the 1980s, Americans were living decades longer. The system’s math no longer worked. So in 1983, Congress passed a reform that gradually increased the FRA by two months per birth year until it reached 67.

“This is not a new policy — it’s the final stage of a reform that began over forty years ago,”
said Alan Kaplan, a former SSA actuary. “2026 is when the gradual increase finally ends.”

How Full Retirement Age Works?

Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) determines when you can claim your full Social Security benefit.

Birth YearFull Retirement Age1954 or earlier66 years195566 years + 2 months195666 years + 4 months195766 years + 6 months195866 years + 8 months195966 years + 10 months1960 +67 years (final age)

Starting in 2026, all new retirees (born 1960 or later) will have 67 as their FRA — permanently, unless Congress acts again.

Claiming Early: The 30 % Cut Rule

You can still claim benefits as early as 62, but your check will be permanently reduced. The reduction depends on how many months before your FRA you start receiving benefits.

Claim AgeBenefit Reduction (Approx.)62− 30 %63− 25 %64− 20 %65− 13 %66− 6 %670 % (full benefit)

For example, a worker born in 1960 who claims at 62 would lose roughly 30 % of their monthly check — a difference of about $600 a month for an average benefit.

Claiming Late: How to Earn More?

Waiting past your FRA pays off. For each year you delay between your FRA and age 70, you earn 8 % in delayed credits, up to a 24 % boost total.

Claim AgeBenefit Increase67100 % (full benefit)68108 %69116 %70124 % (max benefit)

“Patience pays. For those who can wait until 70, the extra 24 percent acts like a built-in inflation shield,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works.

Example Scenario

A worker earning $80,000 a year and retiring at 62 would get about $1,435/month.

If they wait until 67, they receive $2,050/month.

If they delay until 70, their benefit rises to around $2,540/month — over $100,000 more across 20 years of retirement.

Who Wins and Who Loses

GroupImpact of 67 FRAYounger Workers (Gen X, Millennials)Must wait longer for full benefits; encouraged to work longer or save moreCurrent Retirees (Pre-1960 Births)No impact; already under previous FRA schedulePhysically Demanding JobsHarder to delay retirement; may need to claim early with reduced checksHigher-Income WorkersCan maximize payouts by delaying to 70 and earning more creditsSSA FinancesImproved sustainability as benefits begin later and last fewer years

Why This Matters for Your Future Checks?

This final adjustment is part of a broader effort to keep Social Security solvent. The OASI Trust Fund is projected to pay 100 % of benefits through 2033. Beyond that, without further legislative action, it could cover only about 77 %.

Raising the FRA to 67 was a key step to slow that decline — but more reforms may still come.

FAQs

What is the new Social Security retirement age?

For those born in 1960 or later, the Full Retirement Age is now 67.

When does this take effect?

Starting January 2026, workers turning 62 can begin claiming under the new FRA rules.

Can I still retire at 62?

Yes — but expect up to a 30 % permanent cut to your benefit.

Can I get more than my full benefit?

Yes. Delaying to age 70 earns you a 24 % boost through delayed retirement credits.

Will the age rise again in the future?

Not automatically. Any further increase beyond 67 would require Congressional approval.

What’s the maximum Social Security check in 2025?

About $5,108 per month, but only for those who earned maximum taxable wages for 35 years and claimed at 70.

The Big Picture

The era of the 65-year-old full retirement is officially over. Starting in 2026, 67 becomes the new normal for Americans who want their full Social Security benefits.

While this shift helps protect the program’s future, it also places more responsibility on workers to plan, save, and prepare for a longer financial journey into retirement.