Who qualifies
Anyone with 40 quarters (about 10 years) of work credits. Age 62 starts reduced benefits; full retirement age (FRA) is 66–67 depending on birth year; age 70 unlocks the maximum delayed-retirement credit.
What you get
Monthly benefit based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. SSA estimates the average retired-worker benefit at $2,071/month in January 2026. For someone who earned the taxable maximum every year from age 22, the 2026 maximum is $4,152/month at full retirement age or $5,181/month at age 70.
Federal figures verified July 16, 2026. Sources: SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet; SSA 2026 maximum retirement benefit FAQ.
Tips that matter
Filing at 62 locks in a 25–30% permanent reduction. Each year you wait past FRA up to 70 adds 8% (delayed-retirement credit). Spousal and survivor benefits can be larger than your own — always run both numbers.
How to apply
Create or sign in to your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, then file online at ssa.gov/retirement.
State-level help on top of this
Most states layer their own programs on top of this federal one — pharmacy assistance, property tax relief, state Medicaid waivers. Pick your state to see what's available where you live.