Your key ages
If you were born in 1956, your full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. You reach it in 2022 if you were born January through August, or 2023 if you were born September through December. Claim before then and your check is permanently smaller. Claim after and it grows by 8% a year until 70.
One detail catches people out: Social Security counts you as reaching an age the day before your birthday. If you were born on January 1, 1956, you are treated as born in 1955, and the rules for 1955 apply to you (see the 1955 page).
What each claiming age pays
The table shows the share of your full benefit you would get for life, and what that means on a $2,000 full benefit. The spousal column shows what a husband or wife born in 1956 would get on your record, as a share of your full benefit.
| Claim at | Year | Your benefit | On $2,000 | Spouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 2018 | 73.3% | $1,467 | 34.2% |
| 63 | 2019 | 78.3% | $1,567 | 36.7% |
| 64 | 2020 | 84.4% | $1,689 | 40.3% |
| 65 | 2021 | 91.1% | $1,822 | 44.4% |
| 66 | 2022 | 97.8% | $1,956 | 48.6% |
| 66 and 4 months (full) | 2022 | 100% | $2,000 | 50% |
| 67 | 2023 | 105.3% | $2,107 | 50% |
| 68 | 2024 | 113.3% | $2,267 | 50% |
| 69 | 2025 | 121.3% | $2,427 | 50% |
| 70 | 2026 | 129.3% | $2,587 | 50% |
Where you stand in 2027
You turn 71 in 2027. There is nothing to gain from waiting any longer: delayed credits stop at 70. If you have not claimed, apply now. Social Security can pay up to six months of back benefits once you are past full retirement age.
Other dates to know
| Earliest retirement benefit (62) | 2018 |
| Earliest widow's or widower's benefit (60) | 2016 |
| Medicare eligibility (65) | 2021 |
| Delayed credits end (70) | 2026 |
| Required minimum distributions begin | 2029 (age 73) |
To see these choices with your own numbers, use the when to claim calculator. Married couples can compare both records in the spousal and survivor calculator, and the 2027 payment calendar shows the day your check arrives each month.
Questions
What is the full retirement age if I was born in 1956?
Your full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. You reach it in 2022 if you were born January through August, or 2023 if you were born September through December. At that age you get 100% of your full benefit.
How much less do I get at 62 if I was born in 1956?
Claiming at 62 pays 73.3% of your full benefit, a permanent cut of 26.7%. On a $2,000 full benefit, that is $1,467 a month instead of $2,000.
How much more do I get by waiting to 70?
Waiting until 70 pays 129.3% of your full benefit. On a $2,000 full benefit, that is $2,587 a month, plus every yearly cost-of-living raise on top.
When do I sign up for Medicare?
You become eligible for Medicare at 65, in 2021. Medicare age does not move with full retirement age.