When should I claim Social Security?

Your benefit at full retirement age, reduced or increased for claiming 62–70, lifetime totals and the break-even age — the decision advisor software charges for.

Benefit at Full Retirement Age ($/mo)

Your health-adjusted life expectancy (age)

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Claim at 62: monthly / lifetime

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Claim at 70: monthly / lifetime

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Break-even: 62 vs 70

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Break-even: 62 vs 67

How much do benefits change by claiming age?

Claim at 62 = 70% of PIA, 63 = 75%, 64 = 80%, 65 = 86.7%, 66 = 93.3%, 67 (FRA) = 100%, 68 = 108%, 69 = 116%, 70 = 124%. Every year of delay buys roughly +8% (prorated by month).

What is the break-even age?

The age by which waiting catches up. Claiming at 70 instead of 62 breaks even around age 80.3-81: if you live past it, waiting won; if not, claiming early was right. This tool computes it from your life expectancy.

Is PIA from ssa.gov?

Yes — get your estimated benefit at Full Retirement Age from your mySocialSecurity account. Entering a wrong PIA shifts everything, so use the official number.

What about spousal, survivor and COLA?

This tool models the single worker's decision (no spousal coordination) and ignores COLAs, which roughly cancel out. Spousal/survivor claiming is a different, richer problem.