Social Security Break-Even Calculator 2026

How this works: If you claim Social Security early, you collect more checks — but each one is smaller. If you wait, you collect fewer checks but each one is larger. The break-even age is the point where the person who waited has finally collected more total money than the person who claimed early. If you live past that age, waiting was the better financial decision.

Enter your benefit amounts

Find these numbers on your SSA statement at ssa.gov/myaccount — or use the estimates below as a starting point.

Monthly benefit at 62 Early claiming

Monthly benefit at 67 Full retirement age

Monthly benefit at 70 Maximum benefit

💡 Tip: For the most accurate results, log into My Social Security at SSA.gov to get your actual estimated benefit amounts. The numbers pre-filled above are examples only.

Want the full picture?

Read our complete Social Security Guide — spousal benefits, survivor benefits, taxation, COLA, and more.

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Cumulative lifetime benefits by age

Total dollars collected from each claiming age — green rows mark the break-even points.

Your age	Claimed at 62	Claimed at 67	Claimed at 70

Disclaimer: This calculator is for general educational and planning purposes only. It does not account for taxes on Social Security benefits, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), spousal or survivor benefits, investment returns on early benefits, or individual health and longevity factors. Actual benefit amounts are determined by the Social Security Administration based on your complete earnings record. Always verify your benefit estimates at SSA.gov and consult a financial advisor before making claiming decisions. RetireCalm™ is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.