Social Security Full Retirement Age Will Reach 67 In 2026

Reaching retirement is a major milestone, and many Americans look forward to the moment when they can finally access their Social Security benefits.

But if you were born in 1960 or later, an important change is coming in 2026 that could affect when you can start getting your full retirement benefits.

This update is part of a long-standing plan, but many people still do not realize how it may change their retirement timeline. In this article, we break down the details in simple, clear English so you can understand what’s happening and what it means for your future.

The Big Change Coming in 2026

FRA Will Rise to 67 for People Born in 1960 or Later

Starting 2026, the Social Security Administration will make the final scheduled increase to the full retirement age. This is part of a reform passed way back in 1983 to help stabilize Social Security’s finances.

Here’s what it means:

• People born in 1959 currently have an FRA of 66 years and 10 months.
• From 2026, people born in 1960 or later will have an FRA of 67.

This means if you were born in 1960, you will not receive your full Social Security benefits until 2027, even though you turn 67 in 2027.

FRA Changes Over Time

Here is a simple table showing how the FRA increased for different birth years:

Birth Year	Full Retirement Age (FRA)
1955	66 years, 2 months
1956	66 years, 4 months
1957	66 years, 6 months
1958	66 years, 8 months
1959	66 years, 10 months
1960 or later	67 years

Who Will Be Affected First?

The first group affected by the new FRA will be:

• Younger Baby Boomers (born 1960–1964)
• Generation X (born 1965–1980)

Many workers from these generations already feel that they are not financially ready for retirement. A recent survey from Vanguard showed only 4 in 10 Americans believe they are on track to maintain their lifestyle after retirement.

Experts say raising the retirement age is essentially a reduction in lifetime benefits, especially for younger workers who now have to wait longer for full payments.

Why People Claim Early — Even If Benefits Are Lower

There’s a big difference between what people expect and what actually happens at retirement.

• Most Americans plan to retire at 65.
• But the median retirement age is actually 62.

According to research, 6 in 10 retirees leave the workforce earlier than expected because of job loss, layoffs, or health problems.

This is why many people claim Social Security early, even though it reduces their monthly check:

• 44% of Americans plan to claim before reaching FRA.
• 9 in 10 workers say they will not wait until age 70, even though doing so increases benefits by 24%.

Some choose to claim early because they want a guaranteed income for a longer period, even if the monthly amount is smaller.

What This Means for Workers Born in 1960 or Later

If you are a younger Boomer or a Gen Xer, you will need to adjust your retirement planning. Because your full benefits begin only at age 67, you may need to:

• Save more during your working years
• Work a little longer
• Plan your retirement income carefully

As retirement expert Max Richtman explains, having more time to plan does not always mean people can save more—especially with rising living costs, higher tuition, and stagnant wages.

The rise in the full retirement age to 67 may not be surprising, but it is a major shift that affects millions of Americans. Whether you plan to retire early or wait for full benefits, understanding these changes helps you make smarter decisions about your retirement future.

While this change may feel challenging, better planning, savings, and financial awareness can help you secure a more stable and comfortable retirement.

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