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Social Security Income Estimator (2026)
Estimate your benefit (optional spouse)
Your Info
Select Month / Day / Year (no calendar pop-up).
$
If claiming before FRA and you work, 2026 earnings test may reduce checks.
Earnings-based estimates include the 2026 COLA (2.8%). Known benefit uses the amount you enter.
$
Up to 35 years used in AIME
Spouse / Partner
Full Retirement Age (FRA) by Year of Birth
Match your birth year to see when you’ll reach your full Social Security retirement age.
Social Security Questions & Answers
For your official Social Security statement and benefit details, use your secure SSA account: www.ssa.gov/myaccount
When should I start taking Social Security?
You can claim as early as 62, at your Full Retirement Age (FRA), or delay up to 70.
Claiming early permanently reduces benefits, while delaying increases them.
The best choice depends on health, income needs, spouse considerations, taxes, and longevity planning.
What is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
FRA is the age when you receive 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount (your “full” benefit).
For most people today, it’s between 66 and 67, depending on birth year.
How much does my benefit increase if I delay?
After FRA, benefits generally grow through delayed retirement credits until age 70.
Delaying can significantly increase lifetime income, especially for the higher-earning spouse.
Can I work and still collect Social Security?
Yes. If you claim before FRA, earned income may temporarily reduce benefits due to the earnings test.
Once you reach FRA, you can earn any amount without a reduction.
How do spousal benefits work?
A spouse may qualify for a benefit based on the other spouse’s record (subject to eligibility rules).
Claiming age and work history can affect the amount, so coordination is important.
What happens to benefits when one spouse dies?
The surviving spouse typically keeps the higher of the two benefits—not both.
This is why planning for survivor income is a key part of a household Social Security strategy.
Is Social Security taxable?
Depending on your total income, up to 85% of benefits may be taxable at the federal level.
(Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits.)
Will Social Security run out of money?
Social Security is not expected to “disappear,” but future changes may affect benefits.
Coordinating Social Security with other income sources can help protect your retirement plan.
Educational content only — not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.
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