Social Security Optimizer
Find your optimal Social Security claiming age and maximize lifetime benefits.
Your Information
Your monthly benefit at Full Retirement Age (from SSA.gov)
Cost-of-Living Adjustment applied to benefits each year
Pension, part-time work, etc.
If you delay claiming and invest the equivalent amount, what return would you earn? Higher returns favor claiming early.
These are sample values to illustrate claiming strategies. Enter your estimated FRA benefit from SSA.gov for a personalized analysis. How is this calculated?
Optimal Claiming Age
69
Yields max lifetime benefits
Monthly Benefit
$2,900
Cumulative by 85: $726,093
Break-even vs. claiming at 62: age 82
Monthly Benefit by Claiming Age
Cumulative Lifetime Benefits
How total benefits grow over time based on claiming age.
Claiming Age Comparison
| Claiming Age | Monthly Benefit | Annual Benefit | Total by Age 85 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | $1,750 | $21,000 | $679,330 |
| 63 | $1,875 | $22,500 | $688,150 |
| 64 | $2,000 | $24,000 | $692,709 |
| 65 | $2,167 | $26,004 | $706,874 |
| 66 | $2,333 | $27,996 | $715,148 |
| 67 | $2,500 | $30,000 | $718,380 |
| 68 | $2,700 | $32,400 | $725,318 |
| 69 | $2,900 | $34,800 | $726,093 |
| 70 | $3,100 | $37,200 | $720,944 |
AI Insights
3 free todayGet personalized analysis of your financial scenario with actionable recommendations.
Understanding Social Security Claiming
How Benefits Are Calculated
Your benefit is based on your Full Retirement Age (FRA) amount. Claiming early reduces it permanently; delaying past FRA increases it.
- -Before FRA: Reduced by 5/9% per month for the first 36 months early, then 5/12% per additional month
- +After FRA: Increases 8% per year in delayed retirement credits, up to age 70
- =Break-even: The age where total delayed benefits surpass total early benefits
Key Considerations
- •Health status and family longevity
- •Immediate income needs
- •Impact on spousal benefits
- •Tax implications of other income