Say Goodbye to Retiring at 65: Social Security Raises Full Retirement Age Starting 2026
Big changes are coming to Social Security.
Beginning in 2026, Americans born in 1960 or later will see a shift in their Full Retirement Age (FRA)—the age at which they can receive 100% of their Social Security benefits.
Instead of retiring at 65 or even 66, these individuals will need to wait until age 67 to claim full benefits.
This adjustment is the final phase of a reform plan first introduced in 1983 to ensure the long-term stability of Social Security.
As Americans live longer, these changes aim to balance the number of years people receive benefits with the system's sustainability.
Don't miss:
- 2025 SSI Benefits Update: How Much Can You Receive Each Month?
- SNAP & Social Security Payments in June 2025: Exact Dates + State Breakdown
- SSDI June 2025 Payment Dates: When Your Check Will Arrive Based on Birth Date
What’s Changing in 2026?
-
If you were born in 1959, your full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months
-
If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age will be 67
While you can still claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62, doing so will lead to a permanent reduction of up to 30% in your monthly payments.
Check this out: Unlock Up to $1,900/Month: How State SSI Supplements Can Boost Your Benefits
Why Is the Retirement Age Increasing?
Longer life expectancy means people are spending more years in retirement.
Without adjusting the FRA, the Social Security Trust Fund would face major shortfalls.
This isn’t an abrupt change; rather, it’s the final step in a decades-long plan to respond to changing demographics and economic realities in the United States.
Should You Delay Claiming Social Security?
The decision depends on your circumstances. Here are a few considerations:
-
Healthy and financially stable? Delaying until FRA or later could significantly boost your monthly benefits.
-
Shorter life expectancy or limited income? You might consider claiming earlier despite the reduced amount.
Read: The $100,000 Retirement Mistake: Why Delaying Social Security Can Lead to Bigger Benefits
Use tools like the SSA Retirement Estimator to preview your potential benefits at different claiming ages.
Stay on Track With Your Benefits
It’s smart to check your Social Security statement regularly to confirm your earnings history and projected benefits.
Planning can help you make informed decisions about when and how to retire.
Not sure what financial aid is available to you? Get the details here!
Starting in 2026, retiring at 65 won’t get you full Social Security benefits if you were born in 1960 or later.
Knowing your FRA and planning accordingly can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure a more secure retirement.
-
Don’t miss out on the latest updates and insider tips that can supercharge your financial and entertainment life.
