Estimate your Social Security retirement benefit based on earnings history and claiming age.
Your benefit changes significantly based on when you claim:
The break-even point between claiming at 62 vs 67 is roughly age 78-80. If you expect to live past 80, delaying is usually better.
SSA averages your highest 35 years of earnings (inflation-adjusted) into AIME, then applies a progressive formula: 90% of the first $1,174, 32% from $1,174-$7,078, and 15% above.
Before FRA, earnings above $22,320/year reduce benefits by $1 for every $2 earned. After FRA, there is no earnings limit.
Enter your current age, annual earnings, and expected claiming age (62, 65, 67, or 70). The calculator estimates your monthly Social Security benefit.
AIME = Average of top 35 earning years (indexed to inflation) / 12. PIA at full retirement age (67): 90% Γ first $1,174 + 32% Γ next $5,904 + 15% Γ remainder. Early = PIA Γ reduction, Late = PIA Γ delayed credits.
AIME $6,000/mo (average earnings ~$100K): PIA at 67 = $1,057 + $1,889 + $124 = $3,070/mo. At 62: $2,149 (-30%). At 70: $3,807 (+24%).
Delaying to 70 gives 76% more than claiming at 62. Break-even age is around 80-82. If you expect to live past 82, waiting is usually better. Spousal benefits can provide up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse's PIA.