People born in 1959 reach their full retirement age at 66 years and 10 months, while those born in 1960 or later will reach full retirement age at 67
The social security retirement age chart is a critical tool for millions of Americans who are planning when to claim benefits. In 2025, the full retirement age has now reached its final phase of gradual increases. People born in 1959 reach their full retirement age at 66 years and 10 months, while those born in 1960 or later will reach full retirement age at 67. This change is important for anyone nearing retirement and considering when to begin collecting benefits.
What Changed in 2025
In 2025, the full retirement age for Social Security reached a significant milestone. Individuals born in 1959 are now eligible for full benefits at age 66 years and 10 months, while those born in 1960 or later will reach a full retirement age of 67, beginning in 2026. This marks the conclusion of a phased increase initiated under the 1983 amendments.
Additionally, the maximum Social Security benefit climbs to $4,018 per month in 2025, supported by a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, and the taxable earnings cap rose to $176,100. Meanwhile, the SSA commenced the recovery of overpayments by withholding up to 50% of monthly benefits where repayment arrangements are absent. A major legislative change took effect with the Social Security Fairness Act, signed on January 5, 2025, which eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, restoring full benefits to public-sector retirees.**
Early vs. Delayed Retirement Benefits
Understanding the retirement age chart is essential because the timing of when you claim Social Security can permanently shape your monthly benefit.
Claiming at 62
- You can begin receiving benefits as early as age 62.
- However, your monthly payment is permanently reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age (FRA).
- For those with an FRA of 67 (born 1960 or later), claiming at 62 means about a 30% reduction in benefits.
Claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA)
- At FRA, you receive 100% of your earned benefit.
- FRA varies by birth year, ranging from 66 to 67 (see chart).
- For anyone born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67.
Delaying to Age 70
- If you delay claiming past FRA, you earn delayed retirement credits.
- Benefits increase by about 8% per year you wait, until age 70.
- Waiting until 70 can boost your monthly check by 24–32% compared to FRA, and nearly 75% more compared to claiming at 62.
2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
In 2025, Social Security recipients are receiving a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA). This annual increase is designed to help retirees and beneficiaries keep up with the rising cost of goods and services.
While the 2.5% adjustment is smaller than the larger increases seen in recent years, it still provides important relief for those relying on fixed incomes. The adjustment is applied automatically, meaning beneficiaries do not need to take any action to receive it.
Because nearly everyone who receives Social Security benefits is covered, the COLA directly boosts monthly payments for retirees, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, ensuring their income better reflects ongoing inflation pressures.
Maximum Taxable Earnings in 2025
For 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit for Social Security has increased to $176,100, meaning that wages up to this amount are subject to Social Security payroll taxes. Once a worker’s earnings surpass the cap, any additional income will not be taxed for Social Security purposes, though it remains subject to Medicare payroll taxes, which do not have a limit. This year’s adjustment reflects a $7,500 increase over the 2024 cap of $168,600, marking a meaningful rise tied to national wage growth trends. As a result, higher-income workers will see slightly larger payroll deductions, contributing more into the Social Security system throughout the year.
The maximum taxable earnings limit is not fixed but is reviewed and updated annually by the Social Security Administration to reflect changes in average wages across the country. These adjustments are essential to keeping the program financially sustainable, as they ensure that contributions grow in line with overall income trends in the workforce. By linking the taxable maximum to wage growth, Social Security can continue providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to millions of Americans, while ensuring fairness in how contributions are collected. For workers earning above the cap, their take-home pay beyond $176,100 remains unaffected by Social Security taxes, but their higher contributions at the capped level help strengthen the trust funds that support current and future beneficiaries.
Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
Here’s a quick reference chart to make the changes easier to understand:
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1958 | 66 years, 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 years, 10 months |
| 1960+ | 67 years |
This table shows exactly where you fall on the social security retirement age chart and helps you decide the best time to file.
Why Retirement Age Matters
Understanding your full retirement age is more than just knowing a date on the calendar—it’s a cornerstone of long-term financial security. The age you choose to claim Social Security directly shapes the size of your monthly checks and the total benefits you’ll receive over a lifetime.
Claiming benefits before reaching full retirement age results in a permanent reduction in monthly payments, which can add up to a significant loss over time. On the other hand, waiting until your full retirement age—or even delaying until age 70—rewards you with higher monthly benefits. These increases can provide a crucial cushion against inflation, rising healthcare costs, and the possibility of living longer than expected.
Using a retirement age chart as part of your planning helps you see the trade-offs clearly and avoid decisions that may unnecessarily shrink your income. For many retirees, holding off on benefits until as close to 70 as possible is one of the most reliable strategies to maximize financial stability throughout retirement.
Other Key Developments in 2025
Expanded Online Tools:
In 2025, the Social Security Administration continued its push toward modernization by significantly expanding the services offered through its online platforms. The “my Social Security” portal has become a central hub for millions of Americans, offering easy access to benefit statements, personalized retirement calculators, and detailed payment histories. These tools allow individuals to project future benefits, test different claiming scenarios, and better understand how work history and earnings affect their retirement income. The growing reliance on digital services also reduces the need for in-person office visits, saving both time and resources while making Social Security planning more accessible to people of all ages.
Long-Term Program Outlook:
While Social Security remains strong and continues to provide critical benefits to retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities, the program faces undeniable long-term funding challenges. Demographic shifts, such as longer life expectancies and declining birth rates, mean that fewer workers are paying into the system compared to the growing number of beneficiaries. Projections show that the trust fund reserves will come under increasing strain in the next decade. Although policymakers have not yet reached consensus on reforms, discussions continue around potential solutions such as adjusting payroll tax limits, gradually raising retirement ages further, or modifying benefit formulas. For individuals, this uncertainty underscores the importance of not relying solely on Social Security, but instead preparing with other forms of income to ensure stability regardless of future policy decisions.
The Importance of Retirement Planning:
Even with changes like a higher retirement age and annual cost-of-living adjustments, Social Security was never designed to fully replace a worker’s income in retirement. At best, it covers a portion of living expenses, and often not enough to maintain the same lifestyle a person had while working. That is why retirement planning remains essential in 2025. To achieve lasting financial security, individuals should combine Social Security benefits with other resources such as personal savings, employer-sponsored pensions, or retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Building a diversified plan helps protect against inflation, unexpected medical expenses, and the risk of outliving one’s savings. For many, starting early with consistent contributions and wise investment choices can make the difference between a retirement that is financially strained and one that is comfortable and secure.
Final Thoughts
The social security retirement age chart has now reached its final stage, with the full retirement age set at 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Understanding this chart gives retirees the clarity they need to decide when to start collecting benefits, how to maximize lifetime payments, and how to fit Social Security into their broader financial plan.
Have you checked where you fall on the chart? Share your thoughts or questions below—your experience could help others preparing for retirement.