🏛️
Social Security Benefits Estimator
Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits
Your Information
62-70 range
$
Average career income
years
Need 35 for full benefit
Monthly Benefit
$1,191
At age 67
💰
Early Benefit
$834
At age 62
⏰
Delayed Benefit
$1,477
At age 70
🚀
Break-Even Age
81 years
⚖️
Claiming Age Comparison
Age 62 (Early)
$834
30% reduction
Age 67 (Full)
$1,191
100% benefit
Age 70 (Delayed)
$1,477
24% increase
Monthly Benefit by Claiming Age
Lifetime Benefits Received
Break-Even Age: 81 - This is when delayed benefits (age 70) catch up to early benefits (age 62). If you expect to live past 81, delaying can pay off significantly.
Claim at 62
$834/mo
- ✓ Receive benefits sooner
- ✓ Good if poor health
- ✗ 30% permanent reduction
- ✗ Earnings limit applies
Claim at 67
$1,191/mo
- ✓ Full retirement benefit
- ✓ No earnings limit
- ✓ Balanced approach
- ~ Standard choice
Claim at 70
$1,477/mo
- ✓ Maximum benefit (24% higher)
- ✓ Best for longevity
- ✓ Inflation protection
- ✗ Must wait 8 years
Understanding Social Security
How Benefits Are Calculated
- Based on your 35 highest-earning years
- Income is adjusted for inflation (AIME)
- Full retirement age is 67 (born 1960+)
- Can claim as early as 62, as late as 70
Key Considerations
- Health: Poor health favors early claiming
- Longevity: Family history of long life favors delay
- Other Income: Consider pension, 401(k), savings
- Spousal Benefits: May affect claiming strategy
Maximizing Your Benefits
- Work at least 35 years for full credit
- Maximize earnings during working years
- Delay claiming if you can afford to wait
- Coordinate with spouse for optimal strategy
- Consider tax implications of timing