Full retirement age if you were born in 1961
If you were born in 1961, your full retirement age is 67. For example, if you were born in June 1961, you reach it in June 2028.
Last updated: . Education, not financial advice.
The month you reach full retirement age
Your full retirement age is the same for every birth month in 1961, but the date you reach it moves with your birthday. This table assumes a birth after the 2nd of the month.
| Born in | Reach full retirement age in |
|---|---|
| January | January 2028 |
| February | February 2028 |
| March | March 2028 |
| April | April 2028 |
| May | May 2028 |
| June | June 2028 |
| July | July 2028 |
| August | August 2028 |
| September | September 2028 |
| October | October 2028 |
| November | November 2028 |
| December | December 2028 |
If you were born on January 1, 1961, Social Security treats you as born in 1960, and your full retirement age is 67.
Source: Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab)
What that means for your check
Starting at 62 is 60 months before full retirement age, which cuts the check by 30%. Waiting until 70 adds delayed credits. These amounts use a full benefit of $2,000.
| Start at | Monthly check | Share of full benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Age 62 | $1,400 | 70% |
| Full retirement age (67) | $2,000 | 100% |
| Age 70 | $2,480 | 124% |
Source: Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab), Delayed retirement credits (opens in a new tab), Early or late retirement calculator (opens in a new tab)
Break-even for your birth year
On a $2,000 full benefit, starting at 67 instead of 62 breaks even at age 78 and 8 months. For someone born in June 1961, that is February 2040. Starting at 70 instead of 67 breaks even at age 82 and 6 months, which is December 2043 for the same person.
Source: Early or late retirement calculator (opens in a new tab), Delayed retirement credits (opens in a new tab)
Survivor benefits
If you are a surviving spouse, your survivor full retirement age is 66 and 10 months, which is different from your own (67). You can start a survivor benefit as early as 60.
Source: Survivor benefits by age (opens in a new tab)
Working before full retirement age
You reach full retirement age in 2028, so the earnings limit for that year is not published yet. Social Security announces it each October. Until you reach full retirement age, the lower limit applies and $1 is held back for every $2 over it. See the earnings test calculator.
Source: Earnings limits while you work (opens in a new tab), Retirement earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab)
Dates to know
- You turn 62 in 2023. Your first month of benefits is the month you turn 62 if you were born on the 1st or 2nd, and the month after for other birth days.
- You turn 65 in 2026, the age to sign up for Medicare. See Medicare enrollment (opens in a new tab).
- You turn 70 in 2031. Delayed credits stop then.
Source: Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab), Delayed retirement credits (opens in a new tab)
Common questions
What is my full retirement age if I was born on January 1, 1961?
Social Security counts a January 1 birth as the year before, so yours is 67.
Can I start Social Security at 62 if I was born in 1961?
Yes, from 2023. Your check is $1,400 instead of $2,000 on a $2,000 full benefit, which is 70%.
Sources
- Full retirement age and reduction by claiming age (opens in a new tab)
- Survivor benefits by age (opens in a new tab)
- Delayed retirement credits (opens in a new tab)
- Retirement earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare enrollment (opens in a new tab)
Keep reading
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Wait or Claim is independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Social Security Administration or any government agency. We give education, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own facts with Social Security (ssa.gov) before you file.