Are they raising the retirement age in 2025?

Oct 20, 2025 2 min read •

Retirement senior care Social Security

As of 2025, the Social Security full retirement age continues its gradual increase, impacting future retirees. This phased-in change has been in effect for decades, and understanding its timeline is crucial for anyone wondering, "Are they raising the retirement age in 2025?".

Quick Summary

The Social Security full retirement age is increasing in 2025 for those born in 1959, continuing a gradual adjustment enacted decades ago. This is not a sudden new rule, but part of a long-term plan, and it's essential for retirement planning.

Key Points

Gradual Increase: The full retirement age is increasing in 2025 for those born in 1959 as part of a long-term plan, not a new law.
FRA in 2025: For individuals born in 1959, the full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months.
FRA at 67: The full retirement age will reach 67 for all individuals born in 1960 or later.
Early Claiming Impact: Claiming Social Security benefits before your full retirement age results in a permanently reduced monthly payout.
Delayed Claiming Benefits: Waiting to claim benefits until age 70 can result in a higher monthly payment for life due to delayed retirement credits.
Personalized Benefit: Your birth year is the primary factor determining your specific full retirement age and benefit calculation.

The Gradual Increase of the Full Retirement Age

The short answer is yes, the Social Security full retirement age is increasing in 2025 for a specific group of people, but it’s not a new policy. This change is part of a gradual schedule implemented decades ago by the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to reflect increasing life expectancies and help shore up the Social Security Trust Fund.

For those born in 1959, the full retirement age (FRA) will increase to 66 years and 10 months. This is a two-month increase from the previous FRA for individuals born in 1958. The FRA will eventually reach 67 for those born in 1960 or later. This is a continuation of existing law, not a new measure.

How Your Birth Year Determines Your Full Retirement Age

Your full retirement age is specifically linked to your birth year due to this gradual phase-in. Knowing your specific FRA is important because it impacts your monthly Social Security benefit amount. While claiming benefits as early as age 62 is an option, it leads to a permanently reduced monthly payout. For a table showing the Full Retirement Age by year of Birth, please refer to {Link: Kiplinger https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/changes-coming-to-social-security-in-2026}.

Planning for the Full Retirement Age Change

The changing full retirement age adds complexity to retirement planning for those nearing this milestone. Your decisions regarding when to claim benefits have long-term effects on your retirement income, so it's essential to factor these changes into your strategy.

Working past your FRA can boost your benefits. If a later year of higher earnings replaces an earlier lower-earning year, your average monthly earnings and benefit can increase. For details on the impact of early versus delayed claiming and a comparison table of claiming ages, please consult {Link: Kiplinger https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/changes-coming-to-social-security-in-2026}.

A Look Beyond 2025: Future Discussions and Considerations

While the current gradual increase stops at an FRA of 67, discussions about potential future changes continue among policymakers and experts. These ongoing discussions emphasize the need for individuals to be proactive in their financial planning and not rely solely on current Social Security provisions. While no new legislation to increase the age beyond 67 has been passed, staying informed about future policy debates is prudent for long-term financial health. The Social Security Administration offers resources to help with retirement planning.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

In conclusion, the full retirement age is increasing in 2025 for those born in 1959, which is a scheduled part of a long-standing policy. The effect of this change depends on your birth year and when you choose to claim benefits. By understanding your FRA, considering the implications of early or delayed claiming, and staying aware of future policy discussions, you can make informed decisions for a more secure retirement.

Visit the Social Security Administration's Official Website for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

For those born in 1959, the full retirement age in 2025 is 66 years and 10 months. For those born in 1960 and later, the age will be 67.

No, the increase is part of a gradual adjustment scheduled by the Social Security Amendments of 1983. It is not a new law but a continuation of existing policy.

Your full retirement age is determined by your birth year. The Social Security Administration website provides a planner tool where you can look up your exact full retirement age.

Yes, you can still claim benefits as early as age 62, but doing so will result in a permanently reduced monthly benefit compared to waiting until your full retirement age.

For each year you delay claiming benefits past your full retirement age (up to age 70), you will receive delayed retirement credits, resulting in a higher monthly payment for the rest of your life.

For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. The primary impact is that they will need to wait longer to receive 100% of their benefits compared to previous generations.

Yes, policymakers continue to discuss potential future adjustments to the retirement age or other aspects of Social Security to address long-term solvency issues. These have not been enacted into law.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.