Say Goodbye to Retiring at 65: Social Security Raises Retirement Age to 67 by 2026

Say Goodbye to Retiring at 65: Social Security Raises Retirement Age to 67 by 2026

For generations, 65 was the magic number—the age when many Americans planned to kick back and enjoy retirement, supported by Social Security. But beginning in 2026, that benchmark is officially shifting.

As part of a long-planned adjustment first introduced in the 1983 Social Security Amendments, the full retirement age (FRA) will rise to 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later. This final step in the phased rollout means that retiring at 65 will no longer grant you full benefits.

What’s Changing in 2026?

Starting January 1, 2026, if you were born in 1960 or after, you won’t qualify for full Social Security retirement benefits until you reach 67 years of age. This move has been in the works for decades, aimed at accounting for increased life expectancy and the financial strain on the Social Security trust fund.

Those born in 1959 will have a FRA of 66 years and 10 months. The two-month-per-year shift began in the late 1990s, gradually increasing the retirement age from 65.

What If You Retire Early?

You can still retire at age 62, but there’s a catch: your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced, often by 30% or more. On the flip side, delaying your benefits until age 70 could boost your checks by up to 24%.

Age You Claim

Percentage of Full Benefit

62

~70%

67 (FRA)

100%

70

~124%

Why It Matters

This change will impact millions of Americans approaching retirement age. Those who cannot afford to delay benefits may be forced to live on reduced incomes. Meanwhile, workers with the flexibility or health to wait may benefit from higher payments later on.

The shift is part of a broader conversation about how to keep Social Security solvent as Americans live longer, birth rates decline, and fewer workers support more retirees.

What You Should Do Now

1. Check your FRA using the SSA’s Retirement Age Calculator.

2. Plan your finances around the new age benchmarks. Consider how much you’ll need if you retire early with reduced benefits.

3. Explore supplemental income, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or part-time work, to bridge the gap.

4. Delay if you can—every year you wait after FRA increases your benefit by roughly 8%.

Final Thoughts

The retirement landscape is changing. For those born in 1960 or later, the age of full Social Security retirement moves to 67 in 2026, officially ending the era of retiring with full benefits at 65. While early retirement is still possible, it comes with lasting financial trade-offs. Now more than ever, careful planning is key.

If you want a personalized breakdown based on your birth year and financial situation, feel free to ask.