Social Security Calculator

Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits. Uses the official PIA formula with 2026 bend points, claiming age adjustments, spousal benefits, and delayed retirement credits.

Birth Year

FRA: 67

Average Annual Earnings ($)

2026 taxable max: $184,500

Years of Work History

5 zero years in calculation

Planned Claiming Age

62 (early)6770 (max)

Show spousal benefits

Estimated Monthly Benefit at Age 67

$2,460

$29,521 per year

Full retirement age (no adjustment)

AIME

$5,357

PIA (at FRA)

$2,460

FRA

2026 COLA

2.8%

Benefits by Claiming Age

Age	Monthly	Annual	Lifetime (to 85)
62	$1,722	$20,665	$475,291
63	$1,845	$22,141	$487,100
64	$1,968	$23,617	$495,956
65	$2,132	$25,585	$511,701
66	$2,296	$27,553	$523,509
67 (FRA)	$2,460	$29,521	$531,382
68	$2,657	$31,883	$542,009
69	$2,854	$34,245	$547,913
70	$3,051	$36,606	$549,094

Lifetime estimate assumes living to age 85. Actual benefits receive annual COLA adjustments.

Calculation Breakdown

1.Average annual earnings: $75,000 (capped at $184,500)

2.Years worked: 30 (30 of 35 counted, 5 zero years)

3.Total indexed earnings (simplified): $2,250,000

4.AIME: $2,250,000 / 420 months = $5,357

5.PIA formula: 90% x $1,286 + 32% x $4,071 + 15% x $0

6.PIA (monthly benefit at FRA): $2,460

7.Full Retirement Age: 67 (birth year 1970)

8.Claiming at age 67: Full retirement age (no adjustment)

9.Estimated monthly benefit: $2,460

2026 Social Security Maximums

Max at 62

$2,969

Max at FRA

$4,152

Max at 70

$5,181

Requires 35 years earning at or above the taxable maximum ($184,500 in 2026).

2026 Earnings Test (working while collecting before FRA)

Under FRA all year

Exempt: $24,480/year. $1 withheld per $2 over limit.

Year you reach FRA

Exempt: $65,160/year. $1 withheld per $3 over limit.

Withheld benefits are not lost. SSA recalculates at FRA to credit you. Only earned income counts.

This calculator provides a simplified estimate using 2026 bend points ($1,286/$7,749) and does not perform full earnings indexing. Actual benefits depend on your complete earnings history with year-by-year inflation adjustments. For an exact estimate, use your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Source: SSA.gov 2026 benefit calculation parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Social Security calculated?+

SSA takes your 35 highest-earning years, adjusts for inflation (indexing), calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), then applies a three-tier formula: 90% of the first $1,286, plus 32% of earnings between $1,286 and $7,749, plus 15% above $7,749 (2026 bend points). The result is your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — your monthly benefit at full retirement age.

What is full retirement age?+

Full retirement age (FRA) is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. For those born 1955-1959, it gradually increases from 66 and 2 months to 66 and 10 months. At FRA, you receive 100% of your PIA with no reduction or increase.

How much less do I get at 62?+

Claiming at 62 (with FRA of 67) reduces your benefit by 30%. That reduction is permanent — it doesn't go back up when you reach 67. For example, if your PIA is $2,000/month, you'd receive $1,400/month at 62 for life.

How much more do I get at 70?+

Waiting until 70 earns delayed retirement credits of 8% per year beyond FRA. With FRA of 67, waiting to 70 gives you 124% of your PIA. A $2,000 PIA becomes $2,480/month. No additional credits accrue after 70.

Are Social Security benefits taxable?+

Up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half your SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married filing jointly), some benefits are taxable. Below those thresholds, benefits are tax-free.

What are spousal benefits?+

A spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA at FRA, if that's more than their own benefit. The higher earner must be receiving benefits. Spousal benefits can be claimed as early as 62 (at a reduced rate). There are no delayed retirement credits for spousal benefits — there's no advantage to waiting past FRA.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2026?+

The maximum monthly benefit in 2026 is $2,969 at age 62, $4,152 at FRA, and $5,181 at age 70. To receive the maximum, you'd need to have earned at or above the taxable maximum ($184,500 in 2026) for 35 years.

What if I worked fewer than 35 years?+

SSA always uses 35 years. If you worked fewer, zero-earning years fill the gaps, dragging down your average. Each missing year reduces your AIME by 1/35th. Working even a few more years can significantly increase your benefit if it replaces a zero year.