Estimate your monthly Social Security benefit and compare filing strategies — early at 62, full retirement age, or delayed at 70 — to maximize your lifetime income.
Your information
Determines your full retirement age
$
Your average yearly income over career
SSA uses your 35 highest earning years
62Early filingLoading...
67Full retirement age100% of benefit
70Delayed filingLoading...
$
Leave 0 if unknown
Your estimated benefit
Filing age comparison
Filing age
Monthly benefit
Annual benefit
vs Full retirement
Lifetime at 85
Cumulative lifetime benefits by filing age
Chart shows cumulative benefits received through age 90. Assumes 2.5% annual COLA adjustment.
Spousal benefit
How it works
How this calculator works
Enter your estimated full retirement benefit and birth year. The calculator shows how your monthly benefit changes depending on when you claim — from age 62 (reduced) to age 70 (maximum). Compare claiming strategies to find the optimal time to start receiving Social Security.
1
Enter your benefit
Your estimated full retirement benefit from SSA.gov
2
Enter birth year
Determines your Full Retirement Age (FRA)
3
Add spousal info
Optional — model spousal or survivor benefits
4
Compare strategies
See monthly benefit at each claiming age 62–70
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When can I start collecting Social Security?
You can begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However claiming before your Full Retirement Age permanently reduces your monthly benefit. Your FRA is 66 if born between 1943-1954, gradually increases to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
What is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
Full Retirement Age is the age at which you receive 100% of your earned Social Security benefit. For anyone born in 1960 or later FRA is 67. Claiming before FRA reduces your benefit by up to 30%. Delaying past FRA increases your benefit by 8% per year up to age 70.
Should I claim Social Security early or wait?
The right answer depends on your health, other income sources, and life expectancy. Claiming at 62 gives you more years of payments but at a reduced amount. Waiting until 70 maximizes your monthly benefit. The break-even point — where waiting pays off more than claiming early — is typically around age 80-82.
How is my Social Security benefit calculated?
Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years of work history, adjusted for inflation. The SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and applies a formula to produce your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — the benefit you receive at Full Retirement Age. You can find your estimated benefit at SSA.gov.
Can my spouse receive Social Security benefits?
Yes — a spouse may receive up to 50% of your full retirement benefit even if they have little or no work history of their own. The spousal benefit is reduced if claimed before the spouse's own FRA. A divorced spouse may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Are Social Security benefits taxable?
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your combined income. If your combined income exceeds $34,000 as a single filer or $44,000 filing jointly up to 85% of your benefit is taxable. Some states also tax Social Security benefits.