Full Retirement Age (FRA)
The age at which you qualify for 100% of your Social Security benefit — 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
Full retirement age is the age at which Social Security pays your full, unreduced benefit. For anyone born in 1960 or later it's 67; it's slightly lower for people born earlier. FRA is the pivot point for the claiming decision.
Claim before FRA, as early as 62, and your monthly benefit is permanently reduced. Claim after FRA, up to age 70, and it grows through delayed retirement credits — roughly 8% more per year of delay. There's no benefit to waiting past 70. Whether to claim early, at FRA, or late depends on health, longevity, marital status, and your other income.
This definition is general information to help you understand a term, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures that change year to year (limits, thresholds, rates) should be confirmed against current official sources. For guidance on your situation, a licensed fee-only fiduciary is the right next step.