Claiming Rules
Understanding Full Retirement Age for Your Social Security Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of August 17, 2026
The short answer
The Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age at which you can receive unreduced Social Security benefits. Depending on your birth year, FRA ranges from 65 to 67. The increase to 67 affects those born 1960 or later (source: 20 CFR 404.409).
What is Full Retirement Age?
Full Retirement Age is the age you become eligible for full Social Security benefits without a reduction. It varies from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year. The increase from 65 began with those born after January 1, 1938, gradually reaching 67 for individuals born in 1960 and later (§ 20 CFR 404.409).
20 CFR 404.409 View source ›Full Retirement Age Chart for Workers and Spouses
According to the SSA Handbook (source HBK 0723.5), full retirement age is defined as follows:
HBK 0723 View source ›| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1937 | 65 |
| 1938 | 65 & 2 months |
| 1939 | 65 & 4 months |
| 1940 | 65 & 6 months |
| 1941 | 65 & 8 months |
| 1942 | 65 & 10 months |
| 1943-1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 & 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 & 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 & 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 & 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 & 10 months |
| 1960-Present | 67 |
Full Retirement Age for Widow(er)s
For widow(er)s born after 1939, full retirement age also varies. Referencing the same *SSA Handbook* source (§ 723.6):
- Born 1/2/40-1/1/41: 65 years and 2 months and continuing to increase similarly to workers and spouses.
HBK 0723 View source ›Frequently asked
Can I file for a retirement benefit before full retirement age?
Yes, you can file as early as age 62, but benefits will be reduced (source: 20 CFR 404.409).
How does full retirement age affect my benefits?
Reaching full retirement age means you can receive full, unreduced Social Security benefits (source: 20 CFR 404.409).
Why was full retirement age increased?
The increase to age 67 was to account for longevity and to stabilize the Social Security system, with changes starting for those born in 1938 or later (source: HBK 0723.4).
Does full retirement age affect my spouse's benefits?
Yes, full retirement age applies to both your own and your spouse's benefits, affecting when you can receive unreduced benefits. However, it's important to note that if the primary worker claims benefits early, it does not cause a reduction to the spouse's benefit. The reduction in the spouse's benefit is determined by the spouse's own filing age, not the primary worker's decision to claim early (source: HBK 0723).