Say goodbye to retirement at 65: Here’s when you can collect full Social Security benefits
After years of working, there comes a time when you can finally hang up your hat and retire — and hopefully, get back some of the earnings you’ve contributed to Social Security.
For years, Americans accepted 65 as the age that they could retire and begin collecting full Social Security benefits.
But over the years, that age has gradually increased, and 2025 is no exception.
“You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62,” the Social Security Administration states.
“However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age.”
Full retirement age depends on your date of birth.
For individuals born between 1943 and 1954, the full retirement age was 66. However, that age has steadily increased by two months for each subsequent birth year.
For example, people born in 1955 had a full retirement age of 66 years and two months, and for people born in 1956, retirement age increased to 66 years and 4 months.
And the trend continues.
People born in 1959 will not reach full retirement age until they turn 66 years and 10 months, and those born in 1960 or later will not be considered eligible for full retirement benefits until they turn 67.
The steady increase is related to a 1983 law passed by Congress that states the age for full retirement will continue to increase through 2027 to match a longer life expectancy, according to the Social Security Administration.
“If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase,” the Social Security Administration states.
“If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits will be reduced a small percentage for each month before your full retirement age.”
There are advantages and disadvantages to taking benefits before your retirement age.
One benefit is that you can collect for a more extended period of time, though one disadvantage is your benefit amount will decrease.
In 2025, those born on May 2, 1958, through Feb. 28, 1959, will reach the full retirement age, according to AARP.
However, for those born after that, the retirement age jumps from 66 years and 10 months to 67 years.
The gradual increase of retirement age passed by Congress in 1983 will come to its end at the beginning of 2026, stopping the retirement age at a static 67 years old for the time being.
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