Social Security Benefit Estimator
Estimate your monthly Social Security benefit and see how claiming early or late changes it. Enter your average indexed monthly earnings, birth year, and the age you plan to claim, and the calculator applies the 2026 benefit formula and claiming adjustments.
This is an educational estimate, not an official projection. An exact benefit depends on your full 35-year indexed earnings record, which only the Social Security Administration has — for your real number, sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
Not sure of your AIME? Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record and an official benefit estimate based on it.
Estimated monthly benefit
$2,665.80
Claiming at 67 — your full retirement age
- Benefit at full retirement age
- $2,665.80
- Your full retirement age
- 67 years
- Adjustment for claiming age
- 0%
Educational estimate only. Your actual benefit depends on your full 35-year indexed earnings history, which only the Social Security Administration has. For your official figure, sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Calculation Formulas
The PIA is your benefit at full retirement age, built from your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) using the 2026 bend points, rounded down to the next dime.
Example:
AIME of $6,000 → 0.9 × 1,286 + 0.32 × (6,000 − 1,286) = $2,665.80 per month at full retirement age.
Claiming before FRA permanently reduces the benefit — about 30% less at 62 if your FRA is 67.
Delaying past FRA raises the benefit — up to 24% more at 70 for those with an FRA of 67.
Key Figures
| Figure | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 first bend point | $1,286 | First PIA bend point for workers reaching eligibility in 2026. |
| 2026 second bend point | $7,749 | Second PIA bend point. |
| Full retirement age | 67 (born 1960+) | 66 for those born 1943–1954, phasing up to 67 for 1960 and later. |
| Max benefit at FRA (2026) | $4,152/mo | The 2026 cap on a benefit claimed at full retirement age — most benefits are well below this. |
Note: Results are estimates for planning purposes. Rates, fees, taxes, and insurance vary by lender and location — confirm exact figures with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Standards & Sources
Last verified: July 2026
- SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet
The 2026 bend points, wage figures, and the 2.8% COLA are published by the Social Security Administration (fact sheet released Oct 24, 2025).
- Estimate only — verify with SSA
An accurate benefit requires your full 35-year indexed earnings record, which only SSA holds. This tool is educational; for your official number, sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) — an estimate is fine; see the notes below on finding it.
- Enter your birth year, which sets your full retirement age.
- Choose the age you plan to claim, between 62 and 70.
- Read your estimated monthly benefit and how it compares to claiming at full retirement age — then verify with SSA for the official figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this Social Security estimate?
It is an educational approximation. An exact benefit is based on your highest 35 years of inflation-indexed earnings, which only the Social Security Administration has. For your official estimate, sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Use this tool to understand how claiming age affects your benefit.
What is my full retirement age?
Full retirement age (FRA) depends on your birth year: 66 for those born 1943–1954, rising two months per year for 1955–1959, and 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Claiming at FRA gives you 100% of your primary insurance amount.
How much does claiming early or late change my benefit?
Claiming before FRA permanently reduces your benefit — about 30% less if you claim at 62 with an FRA of 67. Delaying past FRA earns delayed retirement credits of 8% per year until age 70, which can raise your benefit by up to 24%.
What is AIME and how do I find it?
AIME is your average indexed monthly earnings — your highest 35 years of wages, adjusted for wage growth, divided by 420 months. You do not need to compute it by hand: your my Social Security account shows your earnings record, and the benefit estimate there already reflects it.
Should I claim Social Security at 62 or wait?
There is no universal answer. Claiming at 62 gives smaller checks for longer; waiting until 70 gives the largest possible monthly benefit. The trade-off depends on your health, other income, and how long you expect to live — this calculator lets you compare the monthly amounts side by side.
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