Estimate your benefits and compare claiming ages. See when delaying pays off.
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When will you claim?
Every month you choose to claim or delay has a measurable impact. Let's find the strategy that fits your specific situation.
Your Estimated Monthly Benefit
$2,152
Claiming at age 67
$25,825/year
Claim at 62
$1,506
Per month • 70% of benefit
Annual: $18,078
Claim at 67 (FRA)
$2,152
Per month • 100% of benefit
Annual: $25,825
Claim at 70
$2,669
Per month • 124% of benefit
Annual: $32,023
Age 62 vs Age 67:
If you live past age 78, claiming at 67 pays more over your lifetime.
Age 67 vs Age 70:
If you live past age 82, claiming at 70 pays more over your lifetime.
Age 62 vs Age 70:
If you live past age 80, delaying to 70 breaks even with claiming at 62.
Cumulative benefits show lifetime totals. Dots mark break-even ages where delaying strategies surpass earlier claims. Account for inflation with your expected COLA rate.
| Age | Claim at 62 | Claim at 67 | Claim at 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | $234,936 | $206,592 | $160,140 |
| 80 | $325,296 | $335,712 | $320,280 |
| 85 | $415,656 | $464,832 | $480,420 |
| 90 | $506,016 | $593,952 | $640,560 |
Inflation-Adjusted Values (COLA 2.5%)
By Age 85: $1,428,655 (62) | $1,597,678 (67) | $1,651,256 (70)
By Age 90: $1,967,781 (62) | $2,309,745 (67) | $2,490,992 (70)
Age 67 ($2,152/month) is a balanced approach, offering substantial benefits without waiting until 70.
Break-even analysis
Most people live past age 82. Plan accordingly.
Inflation matters
At 2.5% annual COLA, your purchasing power remains stable over time.
Consider your health
If you have a family history of longevity, delaying improves lifetime income.
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Claim Early (Age 62)
Lowest monthly benefit, but you receive checks sooner. Best if you have lower life expectancy or immediate cash needs.
Full Retirement Age (Age 67)
Standard approach. You get 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount. No early reduction, no delayed credits.
Claim Late (Age 70)
Highest monthly benefit (124% of PIA). Each year you delay increases your benefit by 8%. Best if you expect to live into your 80s or 90s.
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Example output — not real data
🎯
67
Best Claim Age
💰
$487K
Lifetime Benefit
📈
+$94K
vs Age 62
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You can claim as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The earliest you can claim is 62, but your benefits will be permanently reduced. The standard Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67 for those born after 1960.
SSA uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings to calculate your AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings). They then apply the 2026 bend point formula: 90% of the first $1,286, 32% of earnings between $1,286–$7,749, and 15% of earnings above $7,749. This gives your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at Full Retirement Age. (Source: SSA COLA Fact Sheet 2026)
If you claim before your Full Retirement Age, your benefit is reduced. At age 62, you get roughly 70% of your full benefit. The reduction is permanent—it applies for life.
If you delay claiming past your FRA, you earn delayed retirement credits (DRC) of 8% per year, up to age 70. At age 70, your benefit is approximately 124% of your PIA.
A spouse can claim up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA at their Full Retirement Age. This calculator shows combined household benefits if you include a spouse in your analysis.
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) protects your Social Security benefits from inflation. Annual adjustments ensure your purchasing power remains stable. This calculator shows inflation-adjusted cumulative benefits using your expected COLA rate.
This calculator uses the same bend points and formulas as the SSA, but it’s a simplified estimate. For your exact benefit amount, log in to my Social Security at ssa.gov to see your official Social Security Statement.
Pro Tip
Most people should wait until at least their FRA to claim. If you have a family history of long life expectancy, delaying to 70 can significantly increase your lifetime benefits and protect your household if you're the primary earner.
Sagery provides educational estimates, not financial advice. All projections are based on the assumptions you provide — actual results will vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.