Estimate your Social Security retirement benefit based on your earnings history and the age you plan to start collecting benefits.
Social Security Estimator
Enter your earnings and retirement plans
👤 Personal Info
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$
Average of your highest 35 earning years
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Estimated Monthly Benefit
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Annual Benefit
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Full Retirement Age (FRA)
67
Adjustment Factor
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Lifetime Total
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Monthly at FRA (67)
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Average Career Earnings
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Estimated AIME
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PIA (at FRA 67)
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Claiming Age
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Adjusted Monthly Benefit
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Annual Benefit
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Lifetime Total (to age )
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FAQ
How is Social Security calculated?
SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings (adjusted for inflation) to compute your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). Then a progressive benefit formula (PIA) is applied. Key 2024 bend points: 90% on first $1,174/mo AIME, 32% on $1,174-$7,078, 15% above $7,078.
When should I claim Social Security?
There's no single right answer. Claiming early (62) gives smaller payments for more years. Waiting until 70 maximizes your monthly benefit by 76% vs age 62. The break-even point (total dollars received) is typically around age 78-80.
Does Social Security get taxed?
Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable if your combined income exceeds $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married). Combined income = adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + 50% of SS benefits.
What is COLA?
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases Social Security benefits annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Recent COLAs: 2023: 8.7%, 2024: 3.2%. This calculator does not include COLA projections.