Social Security timing calculator
When you start Social Security changes your monthly check for the rest of your life. See the trade-off between claiming early, at your full retirement age, and at 70.
Email me these results
We'll send this estimate so you can keep it — and share it with your family or your agent.
For education only. This calculator uses the Social Security Administration's published rules — benefits are reduced about 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months you claim before full retirement age (then 5/12 of 1% per month), and increased 2/3 of 1% per month (8% per year) for delaying past full retirement age up to 70. It estimates from the figure you enter and does not include future cost-of-living adjustments, taxes, spousal or survivor benefits, or the effect of working while collecting. Confirm your numbers at ssa.gov. MSIS Inc. does not provide tax or investment advice.
How your age changes your check
If your full retirement age is 67, claiming at 62 permanently reduces your benefit about 30%, while waiting until 70 increases it about 24%. Those changes last for life — and can carry over to a surviving spouse.
It's not only about the math
Health, whether you're still working, other retirement income, and your spouse's situation all matter. A licensed MSIS Inc. agent can talk it through with you alongside your Medicare decisions.
Find a local agent