If you’re planning to retire soon, you’ve probably heard about something called Full Retirement Age, or FRA. But what does it really mean and how does it affect your monthly Social Security payments?
Let’s make it simple. In this short and easy guide, we’ll walk you through what Full Retirement Age is, how it’s determined, and how it impacts your benefits especially if you’re planning to file in 2025.
What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
Your Full Retirement Age is the age at which you qualify to receive 100% of your Social Security retirement benefits. It’s not the same for everyone it depends on your birth year.
When the Social Security program first began in the 1930s, full retirement age was 65. But that’s changed. These days, the FRA is gradually increasing, and for most people retiring in 2025, it’s closer to 66 or 67.
FRA by Birth Year: What’s Yours?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Birth Year | Full Retirement Age (FRA) |
|---|---|
| 1957 | 66 years, 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 years, 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 years, 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 years |
You can find the full SSA retirement age chart here:
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html
The Social Security Administration uses your birth year to determine your exact FRA.
Why Does FRA Matter?
Because when you claim your Social Security benefits matters a lot.
- If you claim before your FRA (as early as age 62), your monthly checks will be reduced.
- If you wait until FRA, you’ll get your full benefit amount.
- If you delay even longer up to age 70 you’ll actually get extra each month.
Let’s look at an example:
Example: Susan was born in 1960, so her FRA is 67. If she files for benefits at 62, her monthly payment could be reduced by up to 30%. If she waits until 70, she’ll earn delayed retirement credits and boost her monthly income for life.
Claiming Early vs Waiting: What’s the Impact?
| Claiming Age | Approx. % of Full Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | 70–75% |
| 66–67 (FRA) | 100% |
| 70 | 124–132% |
If you’re in good health and don’t need the money right away, waiting can really pay off.
Not sure how your Social Security payments are calculated?
Read our Complete Guide to Social Security Benefits in 2025.
What If You’re Still Working?
If you’re still working when you hit FRA, that’s perfectly fine. In fact, there’s no earnings limit once you reach FRA you can work and collect full benefits without any reduction.
Before reaching FRA, however, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your income crosses the annual earnings limit.
Why Some People Claim Early
- They need the income right away
- Health issues may shorten their retirement years
- They want to retire early and enjoy life
But remember: claiming early means smaller checks for the rest of your life.
Why Others Wait Until or After FRA
- To get larger monthly payments
- They plan to work into their late 60s
- They want to leave a higher survivor benefit to a spouse
If you’re healthy and have savings, waiting until FRA or even until age 70 can be a smart move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work while receiving Social Security before my FRA?
A: Yes, but there’s an earnings limit. If you make more than the limit, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.
Q: Will my checks go up automatically if I wait past my FRA?
A: Yes. You’ll earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, increasing your monthly benefit.
Q: Is FRA the same for everyone?
A: No. It depends on the year you were born.
Q: What happens if I apply at FRA?
A: You’ll receive 100% of your benefit with no early reduction or delay credits.
Conclusion
Your Full Retirement Age is one of the most important numbers to know as you plan for retirement. Whether you want to retire early, wait it out, or somewhere in between, understanding FRA helps you make the best decision for your financial future.
Take a few minutes to check your own retirement age and then explore your options. After all, you’ve worked hard to earn these benefits.
