Social Security Full Retirement Age Increases to 67 in 2026 — Major Shift for Near-Retirees
For the first time in decades, Social Security is redefining the full retirement age. Those turning 62 in 2026 must now wait until age 67 (not 65) to claim full benefits without reduction.
Source: AOL Finance ·
Grace's Take
Starting in 2026, if you were born in 1960 or later, you’ll need to wait until age 67 to get your full Social Security benefits, rather than 65. This means if you plan to retire soon, you might want to think about delaying your Social Security claim to get a bigger monthly check, or look into other ways to manage your income until Medicare kicks in at 65. Don't worry—there are smart strategies to help you navigate this change and ensure you're still on track for a comfortable retirement!
- •Full retirement age now 67 for those born in 1960 or later
- •Claiming at 62 results in permanent 30% benefit reduction
- •Delaying to 70 provides 8% annual increase in monthly benefits
This is critical for near-retirees. If you're 1-5 years from retirement, you must recalculate your claiming strategy. Waiting longer significantly increases your guaranteed lifetime income.