Many people grow up thinking they can retire at 65. But starting in 2026, that may no longer be true. Social Security is making changes that affect when people can fully retire. If you are wondering what this means for you or your family, here’s everything explained simply.
What Is Full Retirement Age?
Full retirement age is the age when you can start collecting your full Social Security benefits. Right now, many people believe that age is 65. But actually, the retirement age has been slowly increasing for years. Depending on when you were born, your full retirement age may already be higher than 65.
For example:
- If you were born in 1957, your full retirement age is 66 years and 6 months.
- If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is already 67.
Now, new changes will affect people born after 1960, starting in 2026.
What Is Changing in 2026?
Social Security plans to increase the full retirement age again. Though the exact details are still being discussed, reports suggest the full retirement age could go beyond 67. Some experts think it might increase to 68 or even 70 over time.
This change is happening because people are living longer, and Social Security funds are facing financial problems. The government hopes raising the retirement age will help keep the program running for future generations.
How Does This Affect You?
If you are close to retiring now, these changes may not affect you. But if you are younger, especially under 50, you may have to wait longer to get full benefits.
It’s important to know:
- You can still start collecting Social Security at age 62, but your monthly checks will be smaller.
- To get full benefits, you will need to wait until the new retirement age applies.
- The later you wait to retire (up to age 70), the higher your monthly Social Security payments will be.
| Birth Year | Current Full Retirement Age (FRA) | Proposed Full Retirement Age (FRA) in 2026 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 – 1959 | 66 years to 66 years, 10 months | No Change | Already near retirement age |
| 1960 – 1964 | 67 years | May increase to 68 years | Must work longer for full benefits |
| 1965 – 1970 | 67 years | Likely increase to 68 or higher | Delayed access to full benefits |
| 1971 and later | 67 years | May increase to 69 or even 70 | Retirement planning strongly advised |
| Age to Start Early Retirement | 62 years | No Change (but lower monthly payments) | Still possible but reduced benefits |
| Age for Maximum Benefits | 70 years | No Change | Delayed retirement boosts payments |
Why Is the Retirement Age Increasing?
There are two main reasons:
- People are living longer – More people are collecting benefits for a longer time, which costs more money.
- Social Security funds are running low – By raising the retirement age, the government hopes to reduce the strain on Social Security.
What Should You Do?
If you are worried about retiring, now is the time to plan:
- Start saving money early.
- Look into retirement plans like 401(k) or IRAs.
- Talk to a financial advisor to make a smart plan for your future.
Even though the retirement age is changing, preparing now can help you feel more confident later.
Retiring at 65 has been a popular idea for decades, but times are changing. With Social Security updates coming in 2026, it’s smart to stay informed. The new retirement age means you may have to work longer, but with the right planning, your future can still be secure.
What is the new Social Security retirement age for 2026?
The exact new retirement age hasn’t been finalized yet, but reports suggest it may increase beyond 67 years, possibly to 68 or higher, starting in 2026 for people born after 1960.
Can I still retire at age 62?
Yes, you can still start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62, but your monthly payments will be reduced compared to waiting until your full retirement age.
Who will be affected by the new retirement age?
The new rules mainly affect people born after 1960. If you are already close to retirement or born before 1960, these changes likely won’t apply to you.
Why is the retirement age increasing?
The government is increasing the retirement age because people are living longer, and Social Security needs to stay financially stable for future generations.
Will waiting longer to retire increase my benefits?
Yes. If you delay your retirement past your full retirement age, up to age 70, your Social Security payments will be higher.
