Free Calculator

Social Security Benefits Calculator 2026

Estimate your retirement benefit at any claiming age — includes AIME, PIA, FRA, WEP adjustments, and lifetime projections.

Date of Birth

Current Age

56 years old

Full Retirement Age

67

Earnings History

$

Your average wage in years already worked

$

2026 Social Security wage base: $168,600

Expected raise/inflation in future years

Total earnings years counted: 35 of 35

When Will You Claim?

Delaying 0.1 years increases your benefit by 1%.

Work while receiving benefits?

Before reaching full retirement age

Government Pension / WEP

Pension not covered by Social Security?

E.g., FERS, CSRS, state/local government pension

Estimated Benefit at Age 67

$2,810

per month

Annual Benefit$33,724
Lifetime to Age 85$607,028

Calculation Details

Full Retirement Age67y
AIME(Avg Indexed Monthly Earnings)$6,596
PIA at FRA(Primary Insurance Amount)$2,792
Earnings Years35 / 35
Delay Credit+1%

Benefits by Claiming Age (62–70)

See how your monthly benefit changes based on when you claim

626364656667686970$0.0k$0.9k$1.8k$2.7k$3.6k
AgeMonthlyAnnual
62$1,954$23,450
63$2,094$25,125
64$2,233$26,800
65$2,419$29,034
66$2,606$31,267
67FRAYour choice$2,792$33,500
68$3,015$36,180
69$3,238$38,861
70$3,462$41,541

How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated

1. Your AIME

Social Security calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) using your highest 35 years of wage-indexed earnings. Years with no earnings count as $0 — so working at least 35 years maximizes your benefit.

2. Your PIA at FRA

Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is derived from your AIME using 2026 bend points. You receive 90% of the first $1,174 of AIME, 32% of the next $5,904, and 15% of AIME above $7,078.

3. Early or Delayed Claiming

Claiming before your Full Retirement Age permanently reduces your benefit — up to 30% at age 62. Delaying past FRA adds 8% per year (up to age 70), for a maximum 24% bonus.

4. WEP & Earnings Test

If you have a government pension not covered by Social Security (e.g., CSRS), the Windfall Elimination Provision may reduce your benefit. Working while claiming early may also trigger the earnings test.

When Should You Claim Social Security?

The optimal claiming age depends on your health, other income, and life expectancy. Here's what the numbers say:

Earliest

Age 62

Permanently reduced up to 30%. Best if health is poor or you need income now.

Full Retirement Age

Age 67

100% of your PIA. Best baseline. No reduction, no bonus.

Maximum Benefit

Age 70

+24% vs FRA. Best if you're healthy and expect to live past the break-even age (~80–82).

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 Social Security rules, bend points, and wage base limits. Actual benefits depend on your complete earnings history as reported to the SSA.

For your official benefit estimate, visit SSA.gov/myaccount. This calculator does not include spousal, survivor, disability, or dependent benefits. Consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized retirement planning.

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