Social Security Estimator

Estimate your Social Security benefits and optimize your claiming strategy

Your Information

Used to determine Full Retirement Age (FRA)
$
Your current W-2 earnings (capped at SS wage base)

Claiming Strategy

Age 62 (earliest) to 70 (maximum benefit)
For lifetime benefit calculation

Estimated Benefits

Your Estimated Monthly Benefit

$0

If you claim at age 67

Annual Benefit: $0

Your Full Retirement Age (FRA)

Full Retirement Age
67
Benefit at FRA
$0/month
Primary Insurance Amount
$0
Benefit Adjustment
0%
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Claiming Age Comparison

Compare monthly benefits at different claiming ages

Claiming Age Monthly Benefit Annual Benefit Lifetime Total (to age 85) vs FRA

Cumulative Lifetime Benefits by Claiming Age

Shows total benefits received from claiming age to life expectancy

Breakeven Age Analysis

At what age does waiting to claim pay off?

💡 Claiming Strategy Recommendations

Claim at 62 if:
  • You need the income immediately
  • You have serious health concerns
  • You don't expect to live past 78-80
  • You have no other retirement income
Claim at FRA (66-67) if:
  • You want a balanced approach
  • You have average life expectancy
  • You need to stop working
  • You want certainty over optimization
Delay to 70 if:
  • You expect to live past 82-84
  • You can afford to wait (have savings)
  • You want to maximize monthly income
  • You have longevity in your family
  • You're still working and earning well
Spousal Strategies:
  • Higher earner delays to 70, lower earner claims early
  • Maximizes survivor benefits
  • Provides income while delaying larger benefit

Understanding Social Security Benefits

How Benefits Are Calculated

Social Security calculates your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) based on your 35 highest-earning years, indexed for inflation. The benefit formula uses "bend points" with progressive replacement rates: 90% of the first ~$1,115, 32% of earnings up to ~$6,721, and 15% of remaining earnings.

Claiming Age Impact

  • Age 62 (Earliest): 25-30% reduction from FRA benefit
  • Age 66-67 (FRA): 100% of your PIA
  • Age 70 (Maximum): 24-32% increase from FRA benefit (8% per year delayed)

Important Considerations

  • Benefits are adjusted annually for inflation (COLA)
  • Working while collecting before FRA may reduce benefits temporarily
  • Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable based on other income
  • Married couples have multiple claiming strategies available
  • Survivor benefits are based on the higher-earning spouse's record