SSA confirmed Social Security Retirement Age: Many Americans still think 67 is the official retirement age, but that’s not completely true anymore. In 2025, the Social Security full retirement age (FRA) is rising again. This change will affect millions of older workers, especially those born in 1959 who are getting close to retirement.
If you’re planning for retirement or helping someone who is, it’s important to understand what this change means — and how it could impact your future income.
What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age when you can claim 100% of your Social Security benefits based on your lifetime earnings. You can choose to start taking benefits as early as 62, but that comes with a permanent cut. On the other hand, waiting until age 70 can increase your monthly benefits.
Social Security Retirement Age History
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age (FRA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1937 or earlier | 65 | Original retirement age set by SSA |
| 1938 | 65 and 2 months | Start of gradual increase |
| 1939 | 65 and 4 months | |
| 1940 | 65 and 6 months | |
| 1941 | 65 and 8 months | |
| 1942 | 65 and 10 months | |
| 1943–1954 | 66 | New standard FRA for these birth years |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months | Gradual increase toward age 67 |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months | |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months | |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months | |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months | Applies for those retiring in 2025 |
| 1960 or later | 67 | Final phase of increase completed |
Why Did the Retirement Age Start Increasing?
The FRA used to be 65 for everyone. But in 1983, Congress decided to raise it slowly to help keep Social Security financially strong. Since people are living longer, they collect benefits for more years. To balance this, the retirement age has been gradually increasing by two months at a time, depending on your birth year.
Social Security Retirement Age Timeline
Here’s a simplified look at how FRA has changed:
- Born 1937 or earlier – FRA: 65
- Born 1943–1954 – FRA: 66
- Born 1955–1959 – FRA increases by 2 months each year
- Born 1960 or later – FRA: 67
What’s New in 2025?
Starting in 2025, if you were born in 1959, your full retirement age will be 66 years and 10 months. This is two months more than the 1958 group, whose FRA was 66 years and 8 months.
If you were born in 1959, your full benefits will begin in November 2025, assuming you wait until your full retirement age.
Can You Still Retire at 62?
Yes, you can start receiving Social Security at age 62, but there’s a catch:
Your monthly payment will be reduced by up to 30%. This cut is permanent, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Claiming just a few months early also reduces your payments — though not as much as starting at 62.
Why Waiting Might Be Worth It
Let’s look at an example:
- In 2024, someone retiring at FRA could get up to $3,822 per month.
- The same person claiming at 62 would only get about $2,710/month.
- If they wait until age 70, the benefit could rise by 25% or more, giving them higher monthly income for life.
Still, only about 4% of Americans wait until 70 to start receiving Social Security.
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Every year, Social Security payments are adjusted for inflation. In 2025, the COLA is 2.5%, the smallest increase since 2021. This means your benefit amount will grow slightly starting from January 2025.
Who Is Most Affected?
The change will affect:
- Younger Baby Boomers (born 1959–1964)
- Older Gen Xers (born 1965–1979)
If you were born in 1960 or later, your FRA is 67, which begins for the first group in January 2027.
Concerns About Retirement Savings
Many Americans nearing retirement don’t have enough saved. A recent report found that:
- 1 in 3 younger Baby Boomers will rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.
- Gen X households have saved just $150,000 on average, far below the recommended $1.5 million.
- 40% of Gen Xers have no retirement savings at all.
This shows how important Social Security planning is, especially with the retirement age going up.
The Social Security full retirement age is increasing again in 2025, moving up to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959. While this change seems small, it can make a big difference in how much money you get during retirement. If you claim benefits early, you’ll receive less each month — for life. But if you wait, your monthly income goes up.
With many Americans underprepared for retirement, knowing these details can help you plan better and avoid financial stress later. Take time now to understand your options, review your retirement goals, and consider speaking to a financial advisor. The earlier you plan, the better your future could be.
FAQ
What is the full retirement age in 2025?
In 2025, the full retirement age (FRA) for people born in 1959 will increase to 66 years and 10 months. This means they can start receiving full Social Security benefits from November 2025.
Can I still claim Social Security benefits at 62?
Yes, you can claim Social Security at age 62, but your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced by about 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age.
Why is the retirement age increasing again?
The retirement age is increasing as part of a plan passed by Congress in 1983 to keep Social Security financially stable, considering people are living longer.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2024 and 2025?
In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age is $3,822. In 2025, this may increase slightly due to the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
How much is the 2025 Social Security COLA?
The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients is 2.5%, the lowest increase since 2021 due to slowing inflation.
What happens if I delay Social Security until age 70?
If you delay claiming Social Security until age 70, your benefits could increase by around 25% compared to your full retirement amount, maximizing your monthly payments.
