Social Security Benefit Estimator

For most healthy workers, delaying to age 70 produces the highest lifetime benefit (124% of PIA). Claim at 62 only if cash flow demands it or you have shorter life expectancy. Claim at FRA (67 for those born 1960+) for a middle path. Break-even between claiming at 62 vs. 70 is typically around age 80.

$4,152 per month at full retirement age (67), increasing to about $5,148 if delayed to age 70. To qualify, you need 35 years of earnings at or above the taxable maximum ($184,500 in 2026). Most workers receive much less — the average benefit in 2026 is about $1,975/month.

The SSA averages your highest 35 years of earnings (indexed to wage growth), divides by 12 to get AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings), then applies the bend-point formula: 90% of first $1,286 + 32% of next tranche to $7,749 + 15% above. The result is your PIA — your monthly benefit at full retirement age.

The SSA Trust Fund is projected to be depleted around 2033-2035 per the SSA Trustees Report 2024. After that, payroll tax revenue would still cover roughly 80% of scheduled benefits. Congress has historically resolved similar shortfalls. Plan as if benefits will be paid, but don't rely on Social Security alone for retirement.

Yes, but if you're below FRA there's an earnings test. In 2026, earning above $23,400 reduces benefits by $1 for every $2 over (between 62 and FRA). Reduction stops at FRA. After FRA, no earnings limit. Work income above the SS taxable max also doesn't help — you're already at the benefit cap.

The SSA still uses your highest 35 years, but fills missing years with $0 — pulling your AIME and benefit down. Working an extra 1-3 years late in your career (when income is highest) often replaces low-earning early years and meaningfully boosts your benefit.

A non-working or low-earning spouse can claim up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA. Survivor benefits up to 100% of deceased spouse's benefit if you're widowed. Divorced spouses married 10+ years can claim on ex-spouse's record without affecting them. Run scenarios at SSA's benefit calculator before claiming.

Up to 85% of benefits become taxable for higher-income beneficiaries. Threshold: combined income above $25,000 single / $32,000 MFJ → up to 50% taxable. Above $34,000 / $44,000 → up to 85% taxable. Combined income = AGI + tax-exempt interest + 50% of Social Security. State tax: most states don't tax SS, but some (CT, MN, UT, RI, etc.) do.