Full retirement age by birth year determines when you can claim 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit. Your exact FRA depends on the year you were born, and claiming before or after that age permanently changes your monthly payment.
Quick takeaways
- Your FRA depends on your birth year.
- Claiming before FRA can reduce benefits by up to ~30%.
- Delaying past FRA (up to 70) can increase monthly benefits.
Full Retirement Age by Birth Year Chart
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1943–1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 |
Source: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Why Full Retirement Age by Birth Year Matters
Your full retirement age affects three key decisions:
- Claim early (62): your benefit is reduced permanently.
- Claim at FRA: you receive 100% of your earned benefit.
- Delay to 70: your monthly benefit increases.
Need the full explanation of how FRA works? Read our guide: Full Retirement Age.
What Happens If You Claim Before Your FRA?
Claiming Social Security before your full retirement age reduces your monthly benefit permanently. The earlier you claim, the larger the reduction.
Example: If your FRA is 67 and you claim at 62, your benefit may be reduced by up to ~30%.
Compare claiming ages here: Social Security benefits by age.
What Happens If You Delay Past Your FRA?
For each year you delay past your full retirement age (up to age 70), your benefit increases through delayed retirement credits.
For a simple decision guide, read: When should you claim Social Security?
Full Retirement Age for Specific Birth Years
Born in 1958
Your FRA is 66 and 8 months.
Born in 1959
Your FRA is 66 and 10 months.
Born in 1960+
Your FRA is 67.
FAQ: Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
Is full retirement age the same for everyone?
No. Full retirement age depends on your birth year.
What is full retirement age for someone born in 1960?
If you were born in 1960 or later, your FRA is 67.
Can full retirement age change in the future?
Congress could adjust FRA in future legislation, but current rules follow the chart above.
Final Thoughts
Your full retirement age by birth year determines when you receive 100% of your Social Security benefit. Before choosing when to claim, compare 62 vs FRA vs 70 and plan your strategy carefully.
Next step: use our easy comparison guide here: Social Security benefits by age.
Full Retirement Age for Specific Birth Years
Born in 1958
Your full retirement age by birth year is 66 and 8 months.
Born in 1959
Your full retirement age by birth year is 66 and 10 months.
Born in 1960 or Later
Your full retirement age by birth year is 67.
Before choosing when to claim, compare how claiming at 62, your full retirement age, or 70 affects your monthly benefit in our detailed guide on Social Security benefits by age.