If You Were Born in 1959, Your Full Retirement Age Is 66 Years and 10 Months — Not 67

If you were born in 1959, you can’t get full Social Security benefits at 67.

Your full retirement age is actually 66 years and 10 months, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What This Means

• You’ll get 100% of your monthly benefit only if you retire at 66 years and 10 months

• If you retire early at age 62, you’ll only get 70.8% of your full benefit

• That lower amount lasts for life

You’ve earned certain benefits! Make sure you’re getting them here.
 

Why the Change?

Congress changed the rules back in 1983. Because people are living longer, the full retirement age has been slowly increasing:

• People born in 1938 or later have seen this change

• Anyone born in 1960 or after has a full retirement age of 67

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Should You Wait to Retire?

Yes, if you can. Here’s why:

• Waiting past your full retirement age gives you more money! Up to 8% extra per year

• Working longer also boosts your Social Security benefit

• Delaying retirement can make a big difference if you live a long time

What You Should Do

• Know that your full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months

• Think carefully before retiring early, your checks will be smaller

• Use the SSA website to estimate your monthly payments

• Talk to someone you trust about your options

Bottom Line

Don’t assume you can retire at 67. If you were born in 1959, full retirement comes two months earlier and retiring early means getting less money every month.

Plan ahead and make the choice that’s right for you.

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