Estimate your monthly Social Security retirement benefit — and see how waiting to claim can dramatically increase your check.
Social Security is the backbone of retirement income for most Americans — but when you claim it makes a massive difference. This free Social Security calculator estimates your monthly benefit at age 62, full retirement age (67), and age 70. Delaying from 62 to 70 increases your benefit by about 76% — a guaranteed lifetime raise. See which claiming strategy gives you the most money over your lifetime.
You can start as early as age 62, but your benefit is permanently reduced by about 30%. Wait until age 70, and your check grows by about 8% per year of delay.
If you expect to live into your 80s or 90s, delaying to 70 usually pays off. If you have health concerns or need the money now, claiming at 62 makes sense.
Your benefit is permanently reduced by about 30% if you claim at 62. If you live past your mid-80s, waiting until 70 pays off significantly.
A non-working spouse can claim up to 50% of the working spouse's benefit. If you're married, coordinate your claiming strategy.
The trust fund is projected to be depleted around 2034, after which incoming payroll taxes would cover about 77% of scheduled benefits. Congress will likely adjust the program, but plan conservatively.
Yes, but if you're under full retirement age and earn above a limit ($24,480 in 2026), your benefit is temporarily reduced. Once you reach FRA, there's no limit.
A spouse can claim up to 50% of your benefit, even if they never worked. Survivor benefits are also available. For married couples, timing both benefits strategically matters.