New Retirement Age Confirmed in the US: If you’ve been wondering, “When should I retire to get the full Social Security check?”, you’re not alone. In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially confirmed a new full retirement age for millions of Americans. That’s right—if you’re turning 66 soon, this change might affect exactly when and how much you can collect from your Social Security benefits.
Let’s break it down in a clear, conversational way. Whether you’re nearing retirement, planning ahead in your 40s, or just trying to help a parent or loved one make sense of it all, this guide’s for you.
New Retirement Age Confirmed in the US
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Full Retirement Age | 66 years and 10 months for people born in 1959 (SSA) |
| FRA for Birth Year 1960+ | Set at 67 years |
| Earliest Age to Collect Benefits | Still 62, but with reduced payouts |
| June 2025 SSA Payment Dates | 1st–10th: June 11, 11th–20th: June 18, 21st–31st: June 25 |
| SSI Payment Date (June 2025) | June 3, due to June 1 falling on a weekend |
| Max Monthly SSA Benefit (2024) | $4,873/month if retiring at 70 (source) |
| SSA Retirement Estimator | https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html |
The new retirement age confirmed in 2025 means people born in 1959 need to wait until 66 years and 10 months to get full Social Security benefits. Starting early? Expect a cut. Wait longer? You might earn more. Either way, understanding the SSA payment schedule, eligibility rules, and your best options is key to making retirement work for you—not the other way around.
What’s the New Full Retirement Age in 2025?
If you were born in 1959, your full retirement age (FRA) is now 66 years and 10 months. This is the age when you can collect your full Social Security benefit—without any reduction.
If you were born in 1960 or later, the bar is even higher: your FRA is now 67. These changes were baked into law back in 1983 to reflect the fact that, hey, Americans are living longer.
FRA = Full Retirement Age = the age you get 100% of your Social Security benefits.
Early Retirement? You’ll Get Less Each Month
You can start collecting Social Security as early as age 62. But heads up—it comes with a catch. The earlier you start, the less you get every month—for life.
Here’s the breakdown if your FRA is 67:
| Start Age | % of Full Benefit Received |
|---|---|
| 62 | ~70% |
| 63 | ~75% |
| 64 | ~80% |
| 65 | ~86.7% |
| 66 | ~93.3% |
| 67 | 100% |
So if your full benefit at 67 is $2,000/month, starting at 62 means you’d only get around $1,400.
Delay It, and You Could Bank More
Waiting past your FRA (up to age 70) can boost your monthly benefit by up to 8% per year. For example:
- Start at 67 → $2,000/month
- Wait until 70 → ~$2,480/month
That’s a whopping 24% more each month for life.
Social Security Payment Schedule: June 2025
Your birthdate decides when you get paid. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Birthday Range | June 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | June 11 |
| 11th – 20th | June 18 |
| 21st – 31st | June 25 |
If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your benefits come on the 3rd of each month. Since June 1 falls on a weekend this year, SSI payments will go out June 3.
Quick Tip: How to Check Your Own SSA Record
Want to know exactly what you’ll get?
- Create a mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov
- Use the Retirement Estimator tool
- View earnings history, future estimates, and eligibility status
Example: Meet John and Maria
John (Born in 1959)
- FRA: 66 years, 10 months
- Starts benefits at 65
- Gets about 93.3% of full benefit
Maria (Born in 1960)
- FRA: 67
- Delays retirement until 70
- Gets about 124% of full benefit
Moral: Waiting pays—literally.
FAQs On New Retirement Age Confirmed in the US
Q: Can I work and collect Social Security early?
A: Yes, but your benefits might be reduced if you earn above the earnings limit. In 2024, that limit is $22,320/year.
Q: Do Social Security benefits get taxed?
A: Sometimes. If you earn more than:
- $25,000 (single) or
- $32,000 (married),
you might pay taxes on part of your benefits.
Q: Can I switch from early to full benefits later?
A: No. Once you start collecting, the monthly amount is locked in (except COLAs).
Should You Wait or Retire Early?
Retire Early If:
- You need the money
- You have health issues
- You want more time with family or to travel
Wait to Retire If:
- You’re healthy
- You want the highest monthly payout
- You have other sources of income (pension, 401(k), etc.)
Pro tip: Talk to a certified financial planner (CFP) for a personalized retirement game plan.
Bonus: Social Security by the Numbers (2024–2025)
- Average benefit (2024): $1,907/month
- Max benefit (at 70): $4,873/month
- Annual COLA (2024): 3.2%
- Number of SSA beneficiaries: 71+ million
Official Resources You Can Trust
- SSA Retirement Portal
- Social Security COLA Info
- Benefit Planners & Estimators
- Apply for Benefits Online
