The Retirement at 65 Is Over under the US Social Security System. The SSA changed the full retirement age gradually through amendments passed many years ago. These changes apply based on a person’s year of birth. As of 2026, no one qualifies for full social security benefits at the age of 65 years unless they were born before 1943. For current and future retirees, the FRA ranges from 66 years to 67 years depending on the year they are born. People born in 1960 or later have the FRA 67 years.
Retirement at 65 Is Over
The Retirement at 65 Is Over is misleading but true. The retirement age in the US was 65 years but it was many years ago. After the amendments, this retirement age has been increased to 65 to 67 years but this was not the sudden increase. It’s a gradual increase. It’s not the new increase that is effective from 2026. Social Security allows people to claim their retirement benefits at the age of 62 years but the benefits that are claimed before FRA are permanently reduced. People may also delay claiming benefits beyond FRA up to age 70 years and this results in higher payments.
U.S. Retirement Age 2026 – Overview
| Post Title | Retirement at 65 Is Over |
| Year | 2026 |
| Country Name | United States |
| Retirement Age | 66 Years to 67 Years |
| Previous Retirement Age | 65 Years |
| Early Retirement Age | 62 Years |
| Maximum Delay Age | 70 Years |
| Benefits Affected | Social Security Retirement Benefit |
| Post Category | US Finance |
| Official Web Page | www.ssa.gov |
Social Security Retirement Ages for 2026
Social Security uses three Retirement ages for 2026:
- Early Retirement Age
- Full or Normal Retirement Age
- Delayed Retirement Age
Each age has a different impact on benefit amounts.
Early Retirement Age In 2026
The earliest age at which a person can claim social security retirement benefit is 62 years. This age has not changed. Claiming benefits at the age of 62 years results in a permanent reduction in the monthly benefits. This reduction amount depends on how many months before FRA the person claims benefits.
Full Retirement Age In 2026
Full Retirement Age is the age at which a person can get 100% of their earned Social security benefit. For many years, 65 years was the retirement age. But in 1983, the retirement age gradually increased. The new law increases this age for people who were born in 1938 or after 1938. The retirement age increases by a few months for every birth year until it reaches the age of 67 years. Check out the following table to know Retirement Age in 2026 depending on the year retiree was born:
| Birth Year | Normal Retirement Age |
| 1943 – 1954 | 66 Years |
| 1955 | 66 Yrs + 2 Months |
| 1956 | 66 Yrs + 4 Months |
| 1957 | 66 Yrs + 6 Months |
| 1958 | 66 Yrs + 8 Months |
| 1959 | 66 Yrs + 10 Months |
| 1960 or later | 67 Years |
Delayed Retirement Age In 2026
People can also delay claiming social security beyond their normal retirement age. Benefits increase for each year of delay up to age 70. No additional benefit increase occurs after age 70. Those who delay their retirement beyond their FRA, they can earn 8% extra benefit for each year. It means if someone delays until the age of 70 years then they can get an extra 24% benefit.
FAQs Related To Retirement at 65 Is Over
Is 65 the FRA Age In 2026?
No, 65 is not the normal retirement age in 2026.
What is the Normal Retirement Age for Social Security In 2026?
The Normal Retirement Age for Social Security in 2026 is between 66 and 67 years depending on the year the retiree was born.
Who has a Normal Retirement Age of 67 Years in the US?
People who are born in 1960 or after 1960 have a Normal Retirement Age of 67 Years in the US.
Can Social Security still be claimed at the age of 62 years?
Yes, Social Security Retirement Benefits can be claimed early at the age of 62 years.
When was 65 the Normal Retirement Age in the US?
In 1983, the 65 FRA was increased to 67 years in the US. But this increase is not a sudden jump from 65 to 67 years. It’s the gradual increase that just increases retirement age by a few months for every birth year.
