Social Security Benefit Estimator
Estimate your monthly Social Security retirement benefit. Enter your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME — visible on your annual SSA statement at ssa.gov/myaccount), your year of birth, and the age at which you plan to claim. The calculator runs the bend-points formula and applies the appropriate early-claim reduction or delayed-retirement credit.
How is this calculated?
Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is calculated using the bend-points formula: 90% of the first $1,226 of AIME, 32% of AIME between $1,226 and $7,391, and 15% of AIME above $7,391 (2025 figures). PIA is what you’d receive if you claimed at Full Retirement Age (67 for anyone born 1960 or later). Claim earlier and the benefit is reduced — 5/9 of 1% per month for the first 36 months, then 5/12 of 1% per additional month. Claim later and you earn delayed-retirement credits at 8% per year, capped at age 70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AIME and how do I find it?
Average Indexed Monthly Earnings: your top 35 years of taxable earnings, indexed for wage inflation, divided by 420 months. Log in to ssa.gov/myaccount to see your AIME and PIA on your official statement. If you have fewer than 35 years of earnings, the missing years count as zeros — bringing your average down.
Should I claim early or delay?
It depends on health, life expectancy, marital status, other income, and tax bracket. Claiming at 62 reduces benefits by up to 30%; delaying to 70 increases them by 24%. The 'breakeven' age is typically late 70s — if you live longer, delaying wins. Many financial planners suggest 67 as a default unless you have specific reasons to claim early.
Will Social Security still be around?
The SSA Trustees project the trust fund could be depleted around 2033-2034 without legislative changes. Even then, ongoing payroll-tax revenue would cover ~77% of scheduled benefits. Reform is politically charged but historically does happen (Social Security has been adjusted multiple times). Plan as if you'll get something, but don't bet your retirement on the full benefit.
Is Social Security taxable?
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax depending on your 'combined income' (AGI + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security). Single filers above $34,000 combined income or MFJ above $44,000 face the maximum 85% inclusion. State taxation varies — most states don't tax Social Security; a handful do (CO, CT, KS, MN, MT, NM, RI, UT, VT, WV).
Last updated: May 2026 · Rates sourced from IRS