No More Retirement At 65 – Social Security Moves Full Retirement Age To 67 By 2026

A major shift is coming to America’s retirement landscape: starting January 1, 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will officially set the full retirement age (FRA) at 67, marking the end of an incremental process that began over four decades ago.

This change will affect millions of future retirees, especially those planning to claim 100% of their Social Security benefits. If you’re preparing for retirement or evaluating your retirement options, this update is critical to your financial planning.

What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?

The Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age at which individuals can receive full, unreduced Social Security retirement benefits. Prior to 2026, FRA gradually increased depending on birth year—from age 65 for those born before 1938 to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959.

In 2026, FRA will officially become 67 for all individuals born in 1960 or later.

Timeline of Retirement Age Changes

Here’s a look at the recent transition timeline toward the new FRA:

Year	Full Retirement Age
2021	66 years, 2 months
2022	66 years, 4 months
2023	66 years, 6 months
2024	66 years, 8 months
2025	66 years, 10 months
2026	67 years (final step)

This structured increase aims to reduce financial pressure on the Social Security system by encouraging Americans to work longer and delay benefit claims.

Why Is the Retirement Age Increasing?

The main reason behind the shift to age 67 is to preserve the financial sustainability of Social Security. With increasing life expectancy and a growing population of retirees, SSA payouts are projected to outpace revenue in the coming decades.

Delaying the FRA means:

Fewer people claim benefits at full rate simultaneously
Workers contribute longer via payroll taxes
Overall system solvency is extended

What Happens If You Retire Early at 62?

While you can start claiming Social Security as early as age 62, you’ll receive reduced monthly benefits—approximately 30% less than what you would get by waiting until 67.

Age You Start Benefits	Estimated Monthly Reduction
62	~30%
63	~25%
64	~20%
65	~13.3%
66	~6.7%
67	Full Benefits (0% reduction)

Key Tip: If your financial situation allows, delaying benefits until age 67 (or even later) will result in higher lifetime monthly payments.

Who Will Be Affected by the 2026 FRA Change?

This change affects anyone born in 1960 or later. These individuals will now need to wait until age 67 to claim full Social Security benefits.

It also impacts:

Financial planners helping clients adjust their strategies
Employers reviewing retirement packages
Healthcare providers aligning retirement-age services

Pros and Cons of Claiming Early vs. Waiting

Pros of Early Retirement (Age 62–66)

Immediate access to cash
Greater flexibility for those in poor health or job loss
May support early lifestyle goals (travel, family time)

Cons of Early Retirement

Permanent reduction in monthly benefits
Reduced survivor benefits for spouses
Greater risk of outliving savings

Pros of Delaying Until 67

Full benefit payments
Larger monthly checks for life
Stronger financial security in old age

Could Retirement Age Increase Again After 2026?

As of now, no additional increases are scheduled beyond age 67. However, future policy discussions on entitlement reform and Social Security solvency could reopen the debate.

Some experts warn that younger generations may face FRA increases beyond 67 in coming decades—especially if trust fund reserves continue to shrink.

How to Plan for the FRA Shift

If you’re approaching retirement, follow these steps:

Know your birth year and assigned FRA
Use SSA calculators to estimate early vs. delayed benefit impacts
Work with a financial advisor to align retirement savings, Medicare timing, and benefit strategies
Avoid assuming retirement at 65—that’s no longer the benchmark

The move to a full retirement age of 67 by 2026 marks a historic shift in how Social Security operates in the United States. While it may feel like the end of an era—goodbye to retirement at 65—it also reflects the need to maintain a sustainable benefits system in the face of demographic and economic challenges.

If you’re nearing retirement age, it’s crucial to understand how this change affects your benefits and to plan accordingly. Delaying your claim may provide long-term financial advantages, but the right choice will ultimately depend on your health, income, and personal goals.

FAQs

If I turn 67 in 2026, will I still get full Social Security benefits?

Yes. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67, and you will be eligible for 100% benefits starting then.

What if I retire before 67?

You can still retire as early as age 62, but your monthly benefits will be permanently reduced by up to 30%.

Is this the final increase in the retirement age?

Currently, yes. There are no further FRA increases planned beyond 67, though future reforms are always possible.