After 42 years, a plan to gradually increase the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits will complete in November, setting the FRA at 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Passed in 1983, the Social Security Amendments of 1983 called for a gradual increase in the FRA over several decades, with the age rising by two months for each birth year. However, depending on when they were born, some Americans will see their FRA remain under 67 years old.
Those who reach FRA are entitled to the full amount of their Social Security retirement benefits.
Currently, the FRA is:
- People born 1943-1954 — Age 66
- People born in 1955 — 66 years and 2 months
- People born in 1956 — 66 years and 4 months
- People born in 1957 — 66 years and 6 months
- People born in 1958 — 66 years and 8 months
- People born in 1959 — 66 years and 10 months
- People born in 1960 and later — 67 years
While the FRA is 67, Americans can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as 62 years old. However, doing so permanently reduces the monthly benefits by as much as 30% when compared to waiting until reaching FRA. Those who elect to wait to receive retirement benefits can see their monthly benefits increase by 8% for each year they delay, up to age 70.
To determine your FRA, the Social Security Administration provides this easy-to-use calculator.