Social Security Break Even Benefit - Calculator
In 10 years, will "Future You" wish you’d started today?
Social Security Break-Even Calculator
Compare filing at 62, FRA, and 70. Enter your birth year and your PIA (monthly at FRA). COLA is capped at 2.5%.
PIA = Primary Insurance Amount. COLA is optional and limited to 2.5% to keep scenarios conservative and comparable.
Benefit & Totals
| Through Age | Total Collected |
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| Through Age | Total Collected |
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| Through Age | Total Collected |
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Cumulative Benefits — Chart
| Age | Claim 62 | Claim FRA | Claim 70 |
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Methodology: FRA by birth year (66 for 1943–1954; +2 months/yr for 1955–1959; 67 for 1960+). Early reduction: first 36 months at 5/9% per month, remaining months at 5/12% per month. Delayed credits: 2/3% per month (8%/yr) from FRA to 70. Totals assume monthly payments, optional COLA (0–2.5%), and no survivor/earnings tests.
For education only; not tax, legal, or Social Security advice.
Social Security Tools Suite
Full Retirement Age Calculator – Determines Full Retirement Age for Social Security benefits.
Social Security Benefit Calculator – Projects monthly retirement income based on Primary Insurance Amount.
Spousal Benefit Calculator – Compares potential benefits based on both spouses’ work histories and claiming ages.
Survivor Benefit Calculator – Estimates benefits available to a surviving spouse.
Social Security Break Even Calculator – Compare claiming ages and estimate total lifetime benefits.
Social Security Office Directory – Provides maps, contact details, and weather information for local SSA offices.
Schedule Your Social Security Benefit Review – Schedule your personalized review to better understand your benefits and claiming options.
If your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67 (born 1960 or later)
| Claiming Age | Benefit (% of PIA) | Change vs. FRA |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 70.0% | −30.0% |
| 63 | 75.0% | −25.0% |
| 64 | 80.0% | −20.0% |
| 65 | 86.7% | −13.3% |
| 66 | 93.3% | −6.7% |
| 67 (FRA) | 100.0% | 0% |
| 68 | 108.0% | +8.0% |
| 69 | 116.0% | +16.0% |
| 70 | 124.0% | +24.0% |
If your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 66 (born 1943–1954)
| Claiming Age | Benefit (% of PIA) | Change vs. FRA |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 75.0% | −25.0% |
| 63 | 80.0% | −20.0% |
| 64 | 86.7% | −13.3% |
| 65 | 93.3% | −6.7% |
| 66 (FRA) | 100.0% | 0% |
| 67 | 108.0% | +8.0% |
| 68 | 116.0% | +16.0% |
| 69 | 124.0% | +24.0% |
| 70 | 132.0% | +32.0% |
Social Security Administration Rules
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Early filing reduction = 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months you file early, then 5/12 of 1% per month beyond that (until age 62 minimum).
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Delayed retirement credits add 2/3 of 1% per month (~8% per year) from FRA up to age 70 (no credits after 70).
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Code of Federal Regulations § 404.410
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Code of Federal Regulations § 404.313
Frequently Asked Questions
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How accurate are the results?
The calculators provide estimates only. They are based on the numbers you enter and standard formulas (such as compound interest or amortization schedules). Actual results may vary depending on factors like taxes, fees, or individual financial circumstances.
Can I use these calculators for financial planning?
The calculators are designed to help you explore scenarios and compare options. They are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. For a detailed plan tailored to your goals, we recommend scheduling a consultation.
Do the calculators account for taxes or inflation?
Most calculators do not automatically include taxes or inflation unless specifically stated. You can often adjust the interest rate or contribution assumptions to approximate these factors.
Do these calculators support different compounding periods?
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What if my situation doesn’t fit the calculator exactly?
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