Social Security Benefit Estimator
Simplified estimate only. Visit ssa.gov for your actual statement.
Social Security retirement benefits are based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — the monthly benefit you receive at Full Retirement Age (FRA). Claiming early reduces your benefit permanently; claiming late (up to age 70) increases it by 8% per year.
Pro Tip
If you are married, coordinate claiming strategies. Often, the higher earner should delay to 70 to maximize the survivor benefit — the surviving spouse keeps the larger of the two benefits.
Did You Know?
Social Security was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. The first monthly check was issued on January 31, 1940 to Ida May Fuller for $22.54. She lived to 100 and collected $22,889 — on $24.75 in contributions.