Social Security benefits are increased by a certain percentage (depending on date of birth) if you delay your retirement beyond full retirement age.
The benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
| Year of Birth* | Monthly Rate of Increase | |
|---|---|---|
| 1933-1934 | 5.5% | |
| 1935-1936 | 6.0% | 1/2 of 1% |
| 1937-1938 | 6.5% | 13/24 of 1% |
| 1939-1940 | 7.0% | 7/12 of 1% |
| 1941-1942 | 7.5% | 5/8 of 1% |
| 1943 or later | 8.0% | 2/3 of 1% |
| Note: If you were born on January 1st, you should refer to the rate of increase for the previous year. | ||
If you've already reached full retirement age, you can choose to start receiving benefits before the month you apply. However, we cannot pay retroactive benefits for any month before you reached full retirement age or more than 6 months in the past.
Here's An Important Point: If you decide to delay your retirement, be sure to
sign up for just Medicare at age 65.
If you do not sign up, in some circumstances your Medicare coverage may be delayed and cost more.
Additional Information
What's the best time to start your retirement benefits? We're not recommending that you start at age 62, your full retirement age, age 70 or any age in between. Here's some additional information that may help you decide what's right for you.
- How early or delayed retirement affects benefits,
- Retirement Information for Medicare Beneficiaries,
- Other Things To Consider and
- Medicare and health insurance:
- If you have other health insurance,
- Signing up for Medicare (Medicare enrollment periods)
