Wondering what Social Security might look like when you retire? This calculator gives you a personalized monthly Social Security benefit estimate based on your earnings, retirement age, and whether you claim as an individual or spouse.
One of your most significant decisions is when to start taking benefits. Retire early, and you’ll get smaller monthly payments. Wait until age 70, and your checks could be quite a bit bigger. This tool helps you see how those choices play out - month to month and over your lifetime.
Note that actual benefits may change based on future laws, inflation, or your specific earnings history. Monthly payment estimates are based on current Social Security benefit amounts and assume you've earned a consistent salary over 35 years.
The estimates below represent total lifetime benefits at various ages based on your earnings and claiming age.
Lifetime benefit estimates include a 2.5% annual cost-of-living adjustment. Actual benefit adjustments will vary.
About Claiming Ages
The age at which you choose to start receiving benefits affects your monthly payment, but your total lifetime benefit is designed to be similar - no matter your claiming age.
In general, total lifetime benefits increase if you delay your claiming age as long as possible and live into your mid-80s. But while the maximum overall difference between claiming at 62 versus 70 years may be less than 20% at age 95, the benefit of having a higher monthly income can be significant.