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Social Security Estimator

Estimate your Social Security benefits at different claiming ages, compare strategies and find the best time to start collecting.

Your information

Your career-average earnings before taxes

SSA uses your highest 35 years; fewer years means zeros are averaged in

Claiming age

FRA = Full Retirement Age (67 for those born 1960 or later)

Key insights

Delayed filing credits
Each year you delay past FRA (up to 70) earns an 8% permanent increase to your benefit, one of the best guaranteed returns available. Over 3 years, that is a 24% boost.
Spousal strategies
A spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA. Coordinating when each spouse claims can significantly increase total household benefits over a lifetime, especially if one spouse has much higher earnings.
Taxation of benefits
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your combined income. Planning withdrawals from other accounts can help minimize the tax impact.

Frequently asked questions

What is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
Full Retirement Age is the age at which you are entitled to 100% of your Social Security benefit. For anyone born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67. If you claim before FRA your benefit is permanently reduced; if you delay past FRA up to age 70, your benefit increases by 8% per year through Delayed Retirement Credits.
How is the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) calculated?
The SSA takes your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings, averages them to get your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), and applies a progressive benefit formula with "bend points." In 2026, you receive 90% of the first $1,286 of AIME, 32% of AIME between $1,286 and $7,749, and 15% of AIME above $7,749.
How much is my benefit reduced if I claim at 62?
Claiming at 62, five years before FRA of 67, reduces your benefit by about 30%. The reduction is 6.67% per year for the first three years before FRA and 5% per year for any additional years before that. This reduction is permanent for the life of the benefit.
How do spousal benefits work?
A spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA at FRA. To qualify, you generally must be at least 62 or caring for a qualifying child. If you claim spousal benefits before your own FRA, the amount is reduced. You cannot receive Delayed Retirement Credits on spousal benefits past FRA.
Are Social Security benefits taxable?
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on your combined income. For individuals with combined income between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% may be taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable. Some states also tax Social Security benefits.

Important disclaimer

This estimator is for educational and planning purposes only. It provides simplified estimates based on the 2026 SSA benefit formula and bend points. Actual benefits depend on your complete earnings history, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and future legislative changes.

Simplified calculation: The SSA uses your actual indexed earnings for each year. This tool approximates by using your average annual income and years worked. For a more precise estimate, visit ssa.gov/myaccount to view your official Social Security Statement.

Professional advice: Consider consulting a qualified financial advisor or Social Security specialist for personalized claiming strategy advice that accounts for your complete financial picture, health status and family situation.

By the numbers

What the data says

National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.

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