The Baseline for Full Social Security Benefits Is Officially Changed

For a lot of Americans, the idea of retiring at 65 is still hardwired. That’s the age many parents retired, and it’s the number that stuck in our heads for years.

But for Social Security, 65 is no longer the reference point. As of now, 67 is the baseline full retirement age. However, Medicare eligibility remains 65.

What this means

The move to 67 has happened gradually, but now that we're here, what does that mean?

If you’re turning 62 in 2026 or later, your full benefits age is 67
If you’re already retired and born before 1960, your full retirement age may be 66 or 66-plus-months

What “full retirement age” actually means

Full retirement age is the point at which you can claim 100% of your earned Social Security benefit, as calculated by the Social Security Administration.

You can still claim earlier:

As early as 62, with permanently reduced benefits
Between 62 and 67, with partial reductions
After 67, with delayed retirement credits (up to age 70)

The key change is psychological as much as financial: 67 is now the yardstick, not early or late.

Medicare didn’t move — and that adds confusion

One reason this still trips people up is that Medicare eligibility stayed at 65.

So today’s reality looks like this:

Medicare: starts at 65
Full Social Security benefits: start at 67

That two-year gap is where many retirement planning mistakes happen — especially for seniors who assume those ages still line up.

Why this matters right now

Many near-retirees are still planning around outdated assumptions:

“I’ll get full benefits at 65.”
“66 is the normal age.”
“I’ll just file when Medicare starts.”

For today’s workers and younger seniors, those assumptions can mean:

Smaller monthly checks than expected
Longer gaps before full income
Surprises when benefits are calculated

Simply put: 67 isn’t a future change — it’s the current rule.

Calculate your benefits now

Understanding the whole retirement system clearly is one of the simplest ways to avoid costly surprises later.

Use this tool to see how much your monthly Social Security benefit is reduced if you claim at age 62 instead of waiting until your full retirement age.

Important: For most people today, full retirement age is 67.
Medicare eligibility at 65 is separate and not part of this calculation.

Social Security Age 62 Reduction Calculator

Pick your birth year to see your full retirement age and the estimated reduction if you claim at 62. (Medicare eligibility remains 65.)

Year of birth Born on the 1st? (SSA rule-of-thumb: if you were born on the 1st of a month, SSA treats your birthday as the prior month. If you were born on January 1, SSA treats it like December of the previous year.)

Optional: Change the baseline benefit amounts

Worker benefit at FRA (default $1,000) Max spouse benefit (default $500)

Note: The spouse max is typically 50% of the worker’s FRA benefit. The spouse reduction is applied after that 50% cap.

Disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isn’t financial, tax, or legal advice. Benefit calculations can vary by individual work history and claiming details. For official estimates, use SSA resources or speak with a qualified advisor.