Social Security Benefit Estimator
Get a rough estimate of your monthly Social Security benefit and see how much claiming early or late changes the check.
Retirement income planning tools
Learn moreWhen you claim matters
Social Security replaces more of your income the lower your earnings, thanks to a progressive benefit formula. When you claim is a huge lever: claiming at 62 permanently cuts the check by ~30%, while waiting until 70 boosts it by ~24% over the full-retirement-age amount.
How it’s calculated & sources
We estimate your benefit base (PIA) by applying the 2025 bend-point formula to your earnings, then adjust for your chosen claiming age. This is a rough estimate that assumes steady career earnings.
Source: SSA 2025 PIA bend-point formula (90% / 32% / 15%). Your actual benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning, inflation-indexed years — check ssa.gov for a precise figure.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
Around $70,000 of steady earnings yields a full-retirement-age benefit near $2,580/month — about $1,800 if claimed at 62, or about $3,200 if delayed to 70.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this?
It’s a ballpark — real benefits use your full 35-year earnings history, indexed for inflation. Your official estimate at ssa.gov is authoritative.
Should I claim early or wait?
Waiting pays more per month and hedges longevity, but claiming early makes sense if you need the income or have health concerns. Break-even is typically the early-to-mid 80s.