The age you can claim your full Social Security retirement benefit is determined by one thing: your year of birth. If you were born in 1959, that age is 66 years and 10 months. If you were born in 1960 or later, it is 67. You can start as early as 62, but the check is smaller.
Is Social Security changing the retirement age in 2025, or is this old math finally hitting people?
No, this is not a new rule for 2025. The Congressional Research Service says Congress set the gradual rise from 65 to 67 in 1983. That change has been phasing in for decades. For the large group of people born in 1960 or later, it is only taking full effect now.
Can you claim Social Security at 62, and what happens to your monthly benefit?
Claiming at 62 is allowed, but it permanently reduces benefits for filing before full retirement age. The Social Security Administration’s table shows a 29.17% cut at 62 for 1959 births and a 30% cut for 1960 or later.
Waiting can move the number the other way. Your benefits rise for each month you delay past full retirement age up to 70. For people born in 1943 or later the credit rate is 8% per year. For a full retirement age of 67, the SSA’s example shows age 70 pays 124% of the monthly benefit.
What should you do now if you are picking a retirement date and a filing date?
Two rules can sneak up on you: the retirement earnings test and Medicare timing. The earnings test can temporarily withhold benefits if you work and earn over a limit before full retirement age. Also, you must sign up for Medicare at 65 even if you delay Social Security. Here is a quick checklist:
- Confirm your full retirement age with SSA’s retirement age calculator.
- Compare your benefit estimates for ages 62, full retirement age, and 70.
- If you plan to work in 2025, know the earnings limits: Up to $23,400 if you are under full retirement age the entire year, and $62,160 in the year you reach full retirement age.
- Put Medicare on your calendar: enroll around 65 even if you are not taking Social Security yet.
Understanding these rules won’t force you to work longer, but it will help you to avoid a costly miscalculation. All these rules and tools are available on the SSA’s official website.
