The Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security benefits in the U.S. has been gradually increasing due to legislative changes passed back in 1983. As of 2025, individuals born in 1960 or later will have a FRA of 67 years, while earlier birth cohorts have FRAs between 66 and 66 years & 10 months.
It’s essential to know your FRA, as it impacts the amount of benefits, when you can claim full benefits, and how earnings affect payouts.
What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
- The FRA is the age when you become eligible to receive your full (100%) Social Security retirement benefit, based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
- You can choose to start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit will be reduced permanently. If you wait past your FRA—up to age 70—you accrue delayed retirement credits, increasing your monthly benefit.
How Has FRA Changed?
- Originally, the FRA was 65 for all Americans. In 1983, Congress passed amendments to gradually raise FRA to 67.
- The increase has been phased in based on year of birth. Today, you can check your specific FRA using SSA tools or reference the table below.
Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age (FRA) |
|---|---|
| 1943 – 1954 | 66 years |
| 1955 | 66 years, 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 years, 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 years, 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 years, 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 years, 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 years |
Note: If you were born on January 1, treat your birth year as the previous year for FRA calculation.
Early vs. Delayed Retirement: How Benefits Change
- Early Retirement (age 62 to FRA): Your benefit is reduced. For example, if your FRA is 67 and you start at 62, the penalty could reduce your monthly benefit by up to 30%.
- Delayed Retirement (past FRA up to age 70): You earn delayed retirement credits, increasing benefits by about 8% per year delayed.
Earnings Limits Before FRA
If you receive Social Security while working before reaching FRA, your benefits may be reduced based on your earnings:
| Status | Earnings Limit (2025) | Reduction Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Younger than FRA, all year | $23,400/year | $1 withheld for every $2 earned over limit |
| Reaching FRA in 2025 (months before FRA) | $62,160/year | $1 withheld for every $3 earned over limit |
| At/after FRA | No earnings limit | No reduction in benefits |
Why FRA Matters
- Determines your monthly benefit amount — claiming early means a reduced payout; delaying increases it.
- Affects taxation and deductions, including Medicare enrollment guidelines.
- Influences your retirement planning: knowing your FRA helps optimize when to claim, based on income needs, health, life expectancy, and other sources.
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is no longer a fixed 65 years—it varies based on your birth year, gradually increasing to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Knowing your FRA is key to strategic retirement planning: if you start early, your benefits are reduced; delay beyond FRA, and your benefits grow.
Be aware of earnings limits if you work while claiming benefits before FRA, and plan wisely to maximize your Social Security income.
FAQs
Can I claim Social Security at 62 even if my FRA is 67?
Yes. You can begin benefits at age 62, but your monthly payout will be permanently reduced. The reduction amount depends on how many months earlier you claim before your FRA.
What happens if I delay claiming benefits past FRA?
You earn delayed retirement credits—an approximate 8% increase per year delayed, up to age 70. This means you can significantly increase your monthly benefit.
