Social Security Benefits Estimator (US)
Estimate Social Security benefits at age 62, full retirement age (67 for most workers), and age 70. Compare early vs delayed claiming.
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may vary.
US Social Security Guide
How Benefits Are Calculated?
Social Security uses your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. Each year of $0 earnings (if you worked fewer than 35 years) is averaged in as a zero, dramatically reducing benefits. The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is calculated using bend points: 90% of first $1,226/month of average indexed monthly earnings; 32% of $1,227-$7,391; 15% above $7,391 (2025 bend points). This formula heavily favours lower-earners — replacing about 75% of pre-retirement income for low earners but only 2
What should I know about Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
FRA depends on birth year: 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. You can claim as early as 62 with permanent reduction (about 30% less than FRA benefit). Delaying past FRA earns 8% per year delayed credits until age 70. After 70, no further increase. The math: delaying from FRA (67) to 70 gives 24% more monthly benefit FOREVER. Break-even point vs claiming at FRA: approximately age 82.
When to Claim — Decision Framework?
Claim at 62 if: poor health/family longevity history; you NEED the money immediately; you have no other income and would deplete portfolio principal otherwise. Claim at FRA if: average longevity expectation; want simplicity; have other income to bridge between 62 and FRA. Claim at 70 if: good health/family longevity; high earner whose own benefit is much larger than spouse's (spouse can claim against your record); want maximum guaranteed inflation-protected income. Married couples: typically the higher earner should delay claiming as long as possible, since that benefit also determines the survivor benefit the lower earner may eventually rely on.
What's the key thing to understand about Spousal and Survivor Benefits?
Married worker eligible for own benefit OR 50% of spouse's benefit at FRA — whichever is higher (not both). Cannot claim spousal until spouse has filed for own benefit. Widowed: can claim survivor benefit (100% of deceased spouse's benefit at FRA) OR own benefit. Strategic claiming: claim one at 62, switch to the other at 70 (if higher). Divorced: if married 10+ years and unremarried, eligible for ex-spouse's record without affecting them. Same-sex couples have had full eligibility since the 2015 Obergefell Supreme Court ruling legalised same-sex marriage nationwide, removing any prior ambiguity around spousal benefit claims.