10/23/2026
Claim too early and you lose up to 30% forever. 👀
Most people treat Full Retirement Age as a formality. It's actually the number that locks in your Social Security income for life.
For anyone born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67.
Claim at 62 and your benefit is permanently reduced by as much as 30%. Wait until 70 and you could receive up to 24% more than your standard amount, thanks to an 8% annual increase for every year you delay past 67.
But the piece most people overlook? FRA also shapes spousal and survivor benefits.
A spouse's benefit is capped at 50% of the worker's FRA amount, not 50% of a delayed benefit. If one partner passes early, that distinction can quietly reshape the surviving spouse's income for decades.
Without a coordinated claiming strategy, these pieces can work against each other in ways that are hard to undo.
Drop your birth year in the comments and let me know where you're landing on timing.
Educational content only; not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Strategies discussed are general in nature and may not be suitable for your situation. Consult your tax and/or legal professional regarding your circumstances.
Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions is a financial advisor serving professionals and retirees between ages 50 and 72.
