For many years, Social Security had allowed Americans to take their full retirement benefits at the age of 65.

However, starting in 1983, Congress increased the full retirement age from 65 to 67, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

This process took 33 years to be phased in before it went into effect.

Here’s what you need to know about the full retirement age and when you are eligible to retire according to the latest guidelines.

What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

The full retirement age for Social Security is defined as the age when an individual can claim a monthly benefit that equals their primary insurance amount, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

The Social Security Administration currently states, for example, that if you were born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.

You can, however, apply for Social Security anytime between 62 and 70 years of age, according to SSA guidelines.

But the amount of money that you will get if you take Social Security before your full retirement age will be less.

If you take Social Security after your full retirement age up until age 70, you will receive a higher payment.

Here is the most up-to-date information about when you are eligible to retire according to your age, according to the SSA:

Year of Birth

Full Retirement Age

1943-1954

66 years

1955

66 years and 2 months

1956

66 years and 4 months

1957

66 years and 6 months

1958

66 years and 8 months

1959

66 years and 10 months

1960 or later

67 years

Will the increase in Social Security full retirement age affect Medicare?

Even if you can’t collect your full amount of Social Security at 65, the federal government still encourages you to sign up for Medicare benefits three months before your 65th birthday.

The reason why is if you wait longer, “Medicare medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cost you more money,” according to the SSA.

You can review your eligibility for Medicare and sign up if you are eligible here.

Social Security Updates & News

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