Full Retirement Age for Social Security: What Americans Need to Know in 2025 and Beyond

This is no longer the Social Security eligibility age. Your birthdate is the topic this time. This change was caused by decades-old laws. Consider how people would live longer to ensure Social Security’s longevity. Determine your complete retirement age. This will inform you when to earn your full advantage and how much it will decrease if you leave early and increase if you wait.

The FRA is 66 for 1943–1954 births. People born between 1955 and 1959 saw it slowly rise every two months. Someone born in 1955 can retire at 66 years and 2 months, whereas someone born in 1959 can retire at 66 years and 10 months. Births after 1960 have a FRA of 67.

Social Security begins at 62, but your income will drop permanently. The decline depends on how many months you claimed before your FRA. The drop increases with distance from your FRA. Waiting until after your FRA to start benefits will increase your monthly income. You’ll gain delayed retirement credits. These points increase your benefits till 70. After then, they’ll stop rising.

After 65, your benefits may alter regardless of your work. If you work after FRA and make more than a particular amount, your benefits may be delayed. After complete retirement, saving rules no longer apply.

You must enroll in Medicare three months before your 65th birthday, even without Social Security. If you don’t enroll in Medicare on time, Part B (health insurance) and Part D (prescription drugs) may cost extra.

When you were born and when you plan to retire will determine your Social Security monthly benefit. Retirement isn’t required at 70. You can retire at 62. Each choice affects your money long-term.

Sources

Social Security Administration full retirement age tables and guidelines
Bipartisan Policy Center reports on retirement age and benefits
Schwab’s guide to Social Security claiming strategies
Kiplinger updates on Social Security changes