Estimate your 2026 Social Security benefit and find the best age to claim (62, full retirement age, or 70), with a break-even analysis.
Enter the monthly benefit at full retirement age shown on your Social Security statement (ssa.gov) — the most accurate option.
Estimates using the 2026 PIA formula (bend points $1,286 / $7,749). Your actual benefit depends on your full 35-year indexed earnings — your SSA statement at ssa.gov is authoritative. Lifetime figures ignore COLA and taxes. Not affiliated with the SSA.
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When should you claim Social Security? The answer could mean tens of thousands of dollars difference in lifetime benefits. Our calculator estimates your benefits at different claiming ages, helping you decide between taking reduced benefits early or waiting for maximum payments.
Social Security benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is calculated at Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on birth year). Claim early and receive reduced benefits. Wait until 70 and receive up to 32% more. The break-even point is typically around age 80.
PIA Bend Point Formula (2026)
Compare monthly benefits at different claiming ages to plan retirement.
Calculate when waiting to claim pays off vs. taking early benefits.
Coordinate Social Security with other retirement income sources.
Benefits differ by 77% between 62 and 70
Early claiming means reduced monthly amount
Delayed credits increase benefits 8%/year
Break-even analysis guides decision
Spousal/survivor benefits affected
It's the age at which the larger checks from claiming later catch up to the head start from claiming earlier. Comparing age 62 vs 70 with a full retirement age of 67, the break-even is typically around 80–81. If you expect to live longer than that, delaying usually wins over your lifetime; if not, claiming earlier may collect more.
Your benefit at full retirement age (your PIA) comes from the 2026 formula: 90% of the first $1,286 of average indexed monthly earnings, 32% of the amount up to $7,749, and 15% above that. Claiming at 62 reduces it (to 70% at a full retirement age of 67); waiting to 70 adds 8% per year in delayed credits (up to 124%).
FRA is when you receive 100% of your PIA—66 for those born 1943-1954, gradually increasing to 67 for those born 1960+. Claim before FRA = reduced benefits. Claim after = increased benefits.
At 62, benefits are reduced about 30% from FRA. The reduction is 6.67% per year for the first 3 years before FRA, then 5% per year for additional years.
For each year you delay claiming past FRA until age 70, benefits increase 8% per year. This is one of the best guaranteed returns available and makes waiting attractive if you expect longevity.
Depends on health, finances, and life expectancy. If you need income, claim early. If healthy with other income, waiting increases lifetime benefits. Break-even is typically around age 80.