Social Security Retirement Age Rises to 67 in 2026
Not too long from now, the Social Security retirement age in 2026 will officially increase to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. It’s a milestone change, marking the first time since Social Security began in 1935 that the full retirement age will reach 67 across the board.
And, if you’re planning your retirement, this shift might affect more than just when you stop working. It could influence how much you receive, when you claim benefits, and how to make the most of what you’ve earned over a lifetime. Here’s more on what this means and how to navigate the upcoming changes.
Plan Now: Social Security Retirement Age to Rise in 2026
For decades, the average retirement age has hovered around 65. But, that’s been slowly shifting due to updates made in the 1980s. Now, as of 2026, the full retirement age will increase to 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later.
This means that, if you want to receive 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit, you’ll have to wait until you’re 67 years old. Retiring earlier, say at age 62, will still be an option, but it will come at a cost.
Understanding the Social Security Early Retirement Penalty
If you decide to claim your benefits before you hit full retirement age (FRA), your monthly checks will be permanently reduced. At 62, for example, you’ll only get about 70% of your full benefit. That could be roughly $1,260 per month instead of $1,800.
If you wait until age 65, your benefit climbs to around 87% of your full amount. And, if you have the flexibility to hold off until age 70, you could receive up to 124%, which could mean monthly checks of around $2,232.
The trade-off is clear: the earlier you collect, the less you receive; the longer you wait, the more you’re rewarded.
Other Social Security Changes in 2026 to Keep in Mind
Beyond the change in retirement age, there are other important updates to watch for in 2026:
Social Security COLA in 2026
Every year, Social Security benefits are adjusted for inflation through a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The Social Security COLA in 2026 hasn't officially been released yet, but it will be based on changes in consumer prices, meaning your monthly benefit could increase slightly to keep up with inflation.
Social Security Earnings Limit in 2026
If you plan to keep working while collecting Social Security before you reach full retirement age (FRA), you’ll need to watch your income. The Social Security earnings limit in 2026 will determine how much you can earn before your benefits are temporarily reduced.
For every dollar earned over the limit, a portion of your benefit might be withheld, but it’s not all doom and gloom. When you hit full retirement age, your benefits are recalculated, crediting what was held back.
What This Means for Your Retirement Plan
The Social Security retirement age in 2026 may feel like a nudge to keep working a bit longer, but it doesn’t have to derail your plans. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reassess your goals, your savings, and how you want to spend your retirement years.
Start by looking at your expected Social Security benefit based on different claiming ages. Then, factor in other retirement income sources – like a pension, 401(k), IRA, or savings – to build a clear picture of your financial future.
You may decide that claiming your benefits early makes sense for your health or lifestyle, or that holding out for a bigger monthly check is the better long-term choice. Either way, being informed puts you in control.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The Social Security retirement age in 2026 marks a major change in how retirement benefits are structured, especially for younger boomers and Gen Xers.
By understanding the full retirement age increase, the Social Security early retirement penalty, and other Social Security changes in 2026, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions about when to retire and how to make the most of your benefits.
As always, the best retirement plan is one that balances financial peace of mind with your personal goals and overall well-being. So, take a breath, review your options, and move forward with confidence. 67 might be the new 65, but your future is still yours to shape.