Social Security Benefits Estimator

Claiming at 62 gives you the lowest monthly benefit but for the most years. Waiting until 70 maximizes your monthly payment. Age 67 is Full Retirement Age for those born 1960+. The best age depends on your health, other income, and life expectancy.

Benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years. The Social Security Administration applies a formula using 'bend points' to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), then adjusts based on when you claim.