When most people think of retirement and Social Security, they often assume the magic number for full benefits is either 65 or 67.
But in April 2025, the truth is a little more nuanced, and knowing the correct full retirement age (FRA) could make a big difference in how much you receive from Social Security for the rest of your life.
If you’re planning your retirement or considering when to start claiming benefits, here’s what you need to know.
🧓 What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
The Full Retirement Age is the age at which you can claim your full Social Security retirement benefits without any reduction. Claiming earlier means a permanent cut in monthly payments, while waiting past your FRA can increase your monthly benefit up to age 70.
📆 The FRA Is Based on Your Birth Year
Social Security doesn’t set one fixed retirement age for everyone. Instead, it depends on when you were born. Here’s the breakdown relevant to retirees in 2025:
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1957 | 66 years and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 years and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 years and 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 |
So, for those turning 65 in 2025 (born in 1960), full benefits won’t kick in until age 67.
🔍 Why It’s Not 65 Anymore
Many people still associate age 65 with retirement because that’s when Medicare eligibility begins. While you can enroll in Medicare at 65, that doesn’t mean you’ll receive full Social Security benefits at that age.
In fact, claiming Social Security at 65 if your FRA is 67 results in a permanent reduction of around 13.3% in monthly benefits.
💰 How Early or Late Claiming Affects Your Benefits
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Early Claiming (as early as age 62):
You can begin receiving Social Security at 62, but doing so locks you into a lower monthly amount. The reduction can be as much as 30% if your FRA is 67. -
Claiming at FRA:
You’ll receive 100% of your earned benefits.
-
Delayed Claiming (up to age 70):
For every year you delay past your FRA, your benefit increases by about 8% annually, up to age 70.
So, someone who delays from 67 to 70 could receive up to 24% more per month—for life.
📌 Example: Born in 1959, Retiring in 2025
If you were born in 1959, your full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months.
That means if you turn 66 in December 2025, you won’t reach FRA until October 2026.
📝 Planning Tips for 2025 Retirees
-
Check Your FRA:
Use the Social Security Retirement Age Calculator to confirm your specific FRA. -
Evaluate Your Finances:
If you need income earlier, you might still claim before FRA—but be aware of the reduction. -
Consider Health and Longevity:
Delaying benefits can pay off if you expect to live a longer-than-average life. -
Factor in Work Plans:
If you’re working while receiving Social Security before FRA, your benefits could be temporarily reduced due to the earnings limit.
In 2025, the correct age for full Social Security benefits is not a one-size-fits-all number like 65 or 67. It depends on your birth year, and understanding your FRA could significantly affect your monthly payments and long-term retirement security.
Before making a decision, talk to a financial advisor or use SSA’s tools to run the numbers. A few months of patience could add thousands of dollars to your lifetime benefit total.
