All Social Security answers

Interactive calculator · updated for 2026

Social Security calculator: your benefit at 62, 67, or 70

Your statement tells you your number. This shows what to do with it: what you get at each claim age, the age waiting starts to pay off, and what working does to it. Free, no login, and it carries straight into the full planner.

Quick check

Adjust your numbers. The estimate updates as you go.

This is a fast, free public tool. It answers one question, when to claim, then the Journey planner ties the result to income, taxes, health costs, housing, and timing.

Your benefit

Your benefit and timing

Earnings test

Working before full retirement age

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Run the quick check to see your result here.

This is a fast calculator, not the full map. Change the numbers, run it, then add the result to your planner if it matters.

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The planner carries this estimate into your spending, taxes, and savings, so you can see the years your money has to last. No account needed.

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Calculator disclosure

What you'll see here. This is an educational tool. Your planning inputs stay in your browser — The Retirement Atlas does not receive them. The numbers you'll see are observations and projections, not advice. They depend on the assumptions you enter and may not reflect your situation. Identifiable details (name, email, phone) are only collected if you separately choose to save your map, ask for help, or be matched with a licensed annuity specialist, and those flows have their own consent steps. Consult your own licensed financial professional before making any financial decision.

Learn more

Read the answer behind the calculator.

Common questions

Social Security claiming, answered.

How much is Social Security at 62 vs full retirement age vs 70?

Claiming at 62 permanently reduces the monthly benefit (up to about 30% below the full amount for a full retirement age of 67). Claiming at full retirement age pays 100%. Each year you wait past full retirement age up to 70 adds delayed-retirement credits of about 8% a year. The calculator shows your own number at every age.

What is the Social Security break-even age?

The break-even age is when the larger checks from claiming later add up to more total dollars than the smaller checks from claiming earlier. Past the break-even age the later claim has collected more in total; before it, the earlier claim is ahead.

Can I work while collecting Social Security?

Yes. If you are under full retirement age all of 2026 and earn over $24,480, Social Security pauses $1 of benefits for every $2 over the limit. In the year you reach full retirement age the 2026 limit is $65,160 with $1 paused for every $3 over. At or after full retirement age there is no limit. Paused benefits are recovered as a higher check later.

Does waiting until 70 always pay more?

Not always. Waiting raises the monthly check, but you collect for fewer years. In total dollars it comes out ahead only if you live past the break-even age. The calculator shows where that crossover falls for your numbers.