Future income

Social Security Calculator

Compare lifetime Social Security benefits across different claiming ages. Use this Retirement tool to enter your numbers, review the result, and understand the key assumptions before making the next decision.

What you get
A focused calculator, clear explanation, common questions, and useful next tools.
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Result
Explanation
Common questions
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How this calculator works
The result depends on the numbers you enter and the assumptions shown below.

Social Security benefits increase by 8% per year for each year you delay claiming after 67, up to age 70. Claiming before 67 reduces benefits by approximately 6.67% per year. This calculator compares total lifetime benefits at your chosen age versus claiming at 62 or 67.

Review the inputs carefully and treat the output as an estimate. For decisions involving money, taxes, health, law, or security, compare the result with trusted professional guidance when needed.

Frequently asked questions

When should I claim Social Security?

The optimal claiming age depends on your health, life expectancy, and financial needs. Delaying to age 70 maximizes monthly income, while claiming early provides more years of income if you have a shorter life expectancy.

What is the break-even age?

The break-even age is when the cumulative benefits from a delayed claim surpass the cumulative benefits from an earlier claim. Typically, delaying from 62 to 67 breaks even around age 78–80.