If you’ve always assumed the Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security in the U.S. is 65, it’s time for an update. While that may have been true decades ago, rising life expectancy and the long-term funding challenges of Social Security have gradually pushed the FRA higher. As of 2025, the FRA is no longer a one-size-fits-all number—it now depends entirely on your birth year.
So if you’re planning to retire soon or are simply curious about when you can start collecting 100% of your Social Security benefits, here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Full Retirement Age in 2025?
In 2025, your Full Retirement Age depends on when you were born. Here’s how it breaks down:
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Born in 1959?
You’ll reach FRA at 66 years and 10 months.
That means you’ll be eligible to receive your full Social Security retirement benefit sometime between November 2, 2025, and November 1, 2026, depending on your birthday. -
Born between January 2, 1959, and September 1, 1959?
Your FRA is 66 years and 8 months.
You’ll hit that milestone by September 1, 2025. -
Born in 1960 or later?
Your Full Retirement Age will be 67, starting in 2027 and beyond.
So, the takeaway? If you’re turning 66 in 2025, check your exact birthdate carefully—it could mean the difference between receiving full benefits now or needing to wait a few more months.
Also Read – U.S. Retirement Age May Rise to 69 Under New Proposal
Two Easy Tools to Check Your FRA
To make this process simpler, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two online tools that take the guesswork out of retirement planning:
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FRA Calculator
Use the SSA’s official age planner to determine the exact month you qualify for full benefits:
👉 SSA Retirement Planner – FRA Chart -
Early Retirement Reduction Chart
Curious how much you’ll lose if you retire early? This chart shows how benefits are reduced if you start collecting before your FRA:
👉 SSA Early Filing Reduction Chart
📌 Bonus Tip: The closer you are to your FRA when you file, the less your benefits are reduced. Waiting for full retirement may offer better financial protection, especially in today’s inflationary climate.
Why Your mySocialSecurity Account Is a Must-Have
Want a detailed estimate of your future benefits? The Social Security Statement available through your mySocialSecurity account is an invaluable tool.
With your online account, you can:
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Check your projected monthly benefit at ages 62, FRA, and 70
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View your earnings history and ensure it’s accurate
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See how working longer or earning more may impact your benefit
Sign up here if you haven’t already:
👉 mySocialSecurity Account
Extra Insight: Should You File Early or Wait?
Deciding when to claim Social Security is more than a numbers game—it’s a lifestyle decision. Here are a few factors to weigh:
| Consideration | Early Filing (62–66) | Full Retirement Age (66–67) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Benefit | Reduced by up to 30% | 100% of your eligible benefit |
| Longevity Risk | Higher (more years with lower income) | Lower (benefit keeps up with life span) |
| Work Plans | Benefits may be taxed if working | Easier to keep working or part-time |
| Health or Family History | May favor early filing | May benefit from delaying |
| Inflation & Cost of Living | Less monthly cushion | More stable income in retirement |
✅ Fun fact: Delaying until age 70 gives you about 8% more per year past your FRA—a strategy many financial planners recommend if you expect to live into your 80s or 90s.
Also Read – Next Social Security payment arrives on Wednesday, July 10, 2025: Which retirees are eligible?
Early Filing vs. FRA: The Dollars and Cents
Let’s say your monthly benefit at FRA is $2,000.
If you file at 62, you could receive only $1,400–$1,500/month (a ~25–30% cut).
But if you wait until 70, you could receive up to $2,480/month—a major long-term boost.
📌 Pro Tip: Use the SSA’s Retirement Estimator to plug in your actual earnings and see a personalized forecast.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Retirement Age Before You File
With the FRA gradually rising, 2025 marks a transitional year. Many older workers are just under the wire for FRA before it hits 67 permanently for those born in 1960 and beyond.
Understanding your Full Retirement Age can help you:
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Maximize your Social Security benefits
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Avoid unexpected reductions
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Better plan your retirement strategy based on real numbers
Whether you’re years away from retiring or just around the corner, take the time now to explore your options. A few months can mean thousands of dollars over the course of your retirement.
FAQs
🕑 Is 65 still the retirement age?
Not anymore. For most people today, FRA is between 66 and 67, depending on birth year.
📉 Can I still claim at 62?
Yes, but you’ll receive reduced monthly benefits for life.
📅 What’s my FRA if I was born in 1959?
Your Full Retirement Age is 66 years and 10 months.
📈 Should I wait until 70?
If you’re in good health and can afford to delay, waiting increases your benefit by 8% per year past FRA.
