The full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security depends on your year of birth and has been gradually increasing due to legislation passed in 1983 to account for longer life expectancies.

• For people born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67 years old. This means they can claim 100% of their Social Security benefits starting at age 67

• For those born before 1960, the FRA varies slightly:
  • Born in 1955: 66 years and 2 months
  • Born in 1956: 66 years and 4 months
  • Born in 1957: 66 years and 6 months
  • Born in 1958: 66 years and 8 months
  • Born in 1959: 66 years and 10 months

You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but doing so results in a permanent reduction in monthly payments. Waiting until your FRA ensures you receive full benefits, and delaying benefits beyond FRA up to age 70 increases your monthly payments due to delayed retirement credits

. In summary, starting in 2025, the full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, with slightly younger FRA for those born in the late 1950s, reflecting a phased increase from the traditional age of 65