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The Full Retirement Age Is Now 67
If you’re born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age (FRA) is officially 67. That’s the age where you’re eligible to receive 100% of your Social Security benefits. For a long time, it was 65 but Congress passed a law in 1983 that gradually pushed it up. In 2025, it hits full tilt.
Claiming Early? You Could Lose 30% of Your Benefits
You’re allowed to start collecting Social Security at age 62 but there’s a big catch. You’ll receive a reduced benefit for life.
If your FRA is 67 and you claim at 62, your monthly check will be slashed by about 30%.
That could be the difference between $1,600/month and $1,120/month every month, forever.
Waiting Past 67? You’ll Get a Bigger Check
If you delay past your full retirement age, you actually get rewarded.
For every year you wait (up to age 70), your monthly benefit increases by about 8% per year. That’s 24% more if you wait until 70 not bad for just holding out.
It’s one of the few guaranteed returns out there. If you’re healthy and still working, it could seriously pay off.
Why Is the Retirement Age Rising Anyway?
The short answer? People are living longer, and the system’s running out of cash.
Congress originally adjusted the FRA in 1983 it’s been creeping up ever since. Back then, they were trying to keep Social Security solvent long-term.
Now in 2025, it’s fully locked at 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later. But don’t be surprised if lawmakers push it to 68 or even 69 in the future it’s already being debated.
How to Plan Smart in 2025
Don’t just guess when to claim. Use the tools available:
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The SSA Benefits Estimator (ssa.gov/myaccount) shows your projected monthly checks
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Consider your health, savings, and whether you’ll keep working
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Use your 401(k) or Roth IRA to bridge the gap if you wait
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Talk to a retirement advisor just not one trying to sell you something shady
| Age You Claim | Monthly Benefit % | Example Benefit ($2,000 FRA) |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | -30% | $1,400 |
| 67 (FRA) | 100% | $2,000 |
| 70 | +24% | $2,480 |
It’s not just about when you can afford to stop working. It’s about how much income you’ll really need to live well.
FRA Doesn’t Mean Stop Working
Just because you hit full retirement age doesn’t mean you have to stop working or even take benefits yet.
FRA is just a benchmark. You decide what works best for your body, your wallet, and your future.
Take control of your timeline. Your Social Security check is one piece of the puzzle not the whole picture.
Sources
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Social Security Administration. “Retirement Benefits”
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Social Security Administration. “Full Retirement Age Chart”
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AARP. “Full Retirement Age Explained”
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Forbes Advisor. “Social Security Retirement Age in 2025”
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U.S. News & World Report. “Best Age to Take Social Security”