Social Security Optimizer
Claiming at 62 vs 70 can mean $200K+ difference over your lifetime. Find your optimal age and see how SS reduces the portfolio you need to FIRE.
Your Profile
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Spouse / Partner
SS Impact on FIRE
At FRA (67) claiming:
Annual SS income
$31K
Portfolio savings
$780K
Reduced FIRE number
$720K
Your PIA
$3K
At full retirement age
Benefit at 62
$2K
/month
Benefit at FRA
$3K
/month
Benefit at 70
$3K
/month
Claiming Age Comparison
| Claim Age | Monthly | Annual | Lifetime (to 90) | Breakeven vs 62 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | $1,821 | $21,852 | $612K | — |
| 63 | $1,951 | $23,412 | $632K | Age 77 |
| 64 | $2,081 | $24,972 | $649K | Age 78 |
| 65 | $2,254 | $27,048 | $676K | Age 77.6 |
| 66 | $2,428 | $29,136 | $699K | Age 78 |
| 67(FRA) | $2,601 | $31,212 | $718K | Age 78.7 |
| 68 | $2,809 | $33,708 | $742K | Age 79.1 |
| 69 | $3,017 | $36,204 | $760K | Age 79.7 |
| 70★ optimal | $3,225 | $38,700 | $774K | Age 80.4 |
Cumulative Lifetime Benefits
Where the lines cross = breakeven point. Claiming later wins if you live past your breakeven age.
Key Rules to Know
Earliest claiming age
Age 62, but with up to 30% permanent reduction from your FRA benefit.
Full Retirement Age (FRA)
Age 67 for anyone born 1960 or later. No reduction, no bonus.
Delayed credits
+8% per year from FRA to 70. Claiming at 70 gives you 124% of your FRA benefit.
Spousal benefit
A non-working spouse can claim up to 50% of the working spouse's PIA.
Survivor benefit
A widow/widower receives up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit.
FIRE strategy
Many early retirees bridge with portfolio until 70 to lock in maximum SS — reducing lifetime portfolio risk.
Not financial advice. Social Security estimates are approximations based on the SSA bend-point formula. Actual benefits depend on your complete earnings record. Verify at SSA.gov. Terms · Methodology