1983
Full retirement age, also called “normal retirement age,” was 65 for many years. In 1983, Congress passed a law to gradually raise the age because people are living longer and are generally healthier in older age. The law raised the full retirement age beginning with people born in 1938 or later.

What age can people start collecting payments from Social Security?

age 62
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

The 1983 Amendments phased in a gradual increase in the age for collecting full Social Security retirement benefits. The retirement age will increase from 65 to 67 over a 22-year period, with an 11-year hiatus at which the retirement age will remain at 66.

When did the age of retirement go up?

The law raised the full retirement age beginning with people born in 1938 or later. The retirement age gradually increases by a few months for every birth year, until it reaches 67 for people born in 1960 and later.

When do you get your full retirement benefits?

However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase. If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age .

What was the full retirement age in 1938?

Individuals born prior to 1938 reached full retirement age at 65. Those born between 1938 and 1960 are on a graduated scale, up to age 67. 1  It is possible that the SSA might continue to raise the full retirement age as a means of coping with its solvency issues.

How are Social Security benefits reduced when you reach full retirement age?

If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age. To find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you begin receiving benefits from age 62 up to your full retirement age, use the chart below and select your year of birth.