Millions of Americans approaching retirement will be affected by a key rule change at the Social Security Administration (SSA) starting this November. The update, part of a decades-old law, changes when you can collect full retirement benefits—and how much you’ll receive each month.
What is the new Social Security age rule?
The SSA defines Full Retirement Age (FRA) based on your birth year. That’s the age at which you can claim 100% of your earned Social Security benefit.
This year, Americans born in 1959 will begin reaching FRA in November 2025—at 66 years and 10 months. That’s two months later than those born in 1958, who reached FRA at 66 years and 8 months.
If you were born in December 1959, your FRA will arrive in October 2026.
The FRA increases are part of a gradual shift set in motion by Congress in 1983, which raised the full retirement age from 65 to 67 over time.
Who is affected?
This change applies to anyone born in 1959. It also continues a trend that will affect future retirees:
- Born in 1960 or later? Your FRA will be 67 years old.
- Born before 1959? Your FRA has already been reached and was slightly lower.
Why delaying benefits matters
While Americans can begin collecting Social Security as early as age 62, doing so results in reduced monthly benefits. Waiting until FRA means you’ll get your full benefit amount—and possibly more if you delay even longer.
For example:
- A person born in 1959 who claims benefits at 62 will receive about 28% less per month compared to waiting until FRA at 66 years and 10 months.
- Waiting beyond FRA (up to age 70) can increase your benefit by up to 8% per year.
That’s why understanding your exact FRA is crucial for long-term retirement planning.
Will the retirement age rise again?
The FRA is set to stabilize at 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later. Any additional increase would require new legislation from Congress.
So far, no bills to raise the retirement age beyond 67 have passed, but lawmakers have discussed it as a possible way to improve Social Security’s long-term solvency.
When are Social Security payments made?
Once you begin collecting, your monthly Social Security check is deposited based on your birth date:
- 1st–10th of the month: Paid on the second Wednesday
- 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
Keep in mind: If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those payments are typically made on the first of the month.
What to do next
If you were born in 1959 and plan to retire soon:
- Use the SSA Retirement Age Calculator to confirm your FRA
- Consider speaking with a retirement advisor about the best time to claim benefits
- Understand how working while claiming benefits may affect your monthly amount
As retirement rules continue to evolve, staying informed about your eligibility and payout timing is essential. The FRA shift in 2025 is just one piece of a much larger retirement puzzle.
For more information, visit ssa.gov.
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