Your full retirement age
Full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you can receive your full, unreduced retirement benefit. It depends on your birth year. For people born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67.
You can generally begin benefits as early as 62, or delay past your FRA up to age 70. The age you choose changes the size of your monthly payment for the rest of your life.
Claiming early or later
Claiming before FRA permanently reduces your monthly benefit. Delaying beyond FRA earns delayed retirement credits that increase it, up to age 70.
There is no single right answer. Health, other income, marital status and work plans all play a role. The official benefit estimates in your my Social Security account at ssa.gov are a helpful starting point.
This article is general education, not individualized financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm details with the Social Security Administration.
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