The official retirement age for full Social Security benefits in the United States is 67, as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Partial benefits are available as early as 62, but recipients receive reduced amounts. This framework aligns with long-term sustainability goals and evolving life expectancy trends.

The retirement age was raised from 65 to 67 in 1983 under the Social Security Amendments Act of 1983, reflecting increased life expectancy and the need to ensure the program’s financial stability. According to SSA data, U.S. life expectancy rose from 48.0 years in 1930 to 78.8 years in 2020, necessitating adjustments to prevent an unsustainable ratio of workers to retirees. The SSA projects that raising the retirement age to 67 helps maintain the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) trust fund’s solvency until 2098. Additionally, in 2023, 35% of workers reported relying solely on Social Security for retirement income, underscoring the program’s critical role in income security. The adjustment ensures younger generations contribute equitably while preserving benefits for current retirees. This policy balances intergenerational equity and fiscal responsibility, supported by SSA actuarial models and demographic projections.