A key Social Security milestone is coming this November—here’s what to know
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If you're nearing retirement, there’s encouraging news on the horizon.
Starting this November, some Americans could see bigger Social Security checks thanks to some changes.
At The GrayVine, we know every dollar counts—especially in retirement—so we're here to walk you through what’s changing, who it affects, and how to make the most of your benefits.
Your full retirement age (FRA) is the age when you’re eligible to receive your full, unreduced Social Security benefit.
While you can begin collecting as early as age 62, doing so results in permanently reduced payments.
Waiting until your FRA means you’ll get 100% of the benefit you've earned over your working years.
For decades, FRA was set at 65.
But a law passed in 1983 raised the age gradually to help keep Social Security financially sustainable.
For Americans born in 1958 and 1959, the FRA is now 66 years and 10 months.
If you were born in 1959, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months.
That means some people born early in 1959 will reach their full retirement age in November 2025.
Those born later in the year will reach FRA in 2026.
Here’s a quick reference:
After 2027, FRA is expected to remain at 67 unless Congress makes changes.
It’s tempting to begin collecting Social Security at age 62—but doing so can reduce your benefit by up to 30%.
On the other hand, waiting until your full retirement age means a bigger monthly check.
For those born in 1959, waiting could result in up to 28% more each month than if you started benefits at 62.
Over the course of a long retirement, that difference adds up—potentially giving you greater financial stability later in life.
Social Security payments are scheduled based on your birth date:
Knowing your payment date can help with budgeting and planning.
The Social Security Administration is also introducing new anti-fraud efforts.
Some recipients may be asked to complete in-person ID verification, adding a little extra paperwork for added protection.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your benefits:
After 2027, FRA is expected to stay at 67—but changes are always possible, especially as Social Security’s long-term funding remains a topic of discussion in Washington.
Staying informed ensures you're ready for whatever comes next.
Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement for millions of Americans.
Understanding how FRA works—and how it affects your benefit—can help you make the most of what you’ve earned.
Whether you're months away from claiming or still planning ahead, knowledge is one of your best tools for a secure and comfortable retirement.
Read next: Are you working and claiming? Maximize your Social Security benefits with this essential tip!
Are you getting close to your full retirement age? Have you already started receiving Social Security benefits, or are you planning to wait? What helped you decide? We’d love to hear from you—share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience could help someone else make a smarter decision.
Starting this November, some Americans could see bigger Social Security checks thanks to some changes.
At The GrayVine, we know every dollar counts—especially in retirement—so we're here to walk you through what’s changing, who it affects, and how to make the most of your benefits.
Your full retirement age (FRA) is the age when you’re eligible to receive your full, unreduced Social Security benefit.
While you can begin collecting as early as age 62, doing so results in permanently reduced payments.
Waiting until your FRA means you’ll get 100% of the benefit you've earned over your working years.
For decades, FRA was set at 65.
But a law passed in 1983 raised the age gradually to help keep Social Security financially sustainable.
For Americans born in 1958 and 1959, the FRA is now 66 years and 10 months.
Changes to Social Security’s full retirement age could mean changes for millions. Image Source: YouTube /
CBS Evening News.
CBS Evening News.
Who will this affect?
If you were born in 1959, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months.
That means some people born early in 1959 will reach their full retirement age in November 2025.
Those born later in the year will reach FRA in 2026.
Here’s a quick reference:
- Born in 1958: FRA is 66 years and 8 months (reached in 2024)
- Born in 1959: FRA is 66 years and 10 months (starting November 2025)
- Born in 1960 or later: FRA is 67
After 2027, FRA is expected to remain at 67 unless Congress makes changes.
Also read: Turning 65? Find out why you might not get full Social Security benefits yet.
Why waiting for FRA could mean more money
It’s tempting to begin collecting Social Security at age 62—but doing so can reduce your benefit by up to 30%.
On the other hand, waiting until your full retirement age means a bigger monthly check.
For those born in 1959, waiting could result in up to 28% more each month than if you started benefits at 62.
Over the course of a long retirement, that difference adds up—potentially giving you greater financial stability later in life.
When are payments made?
Social Security payments are scheduled based on your birth date:
- Born 1st–10th: Second Wednesday of the month
- Born 11th–20th: Third Wednesday
- Born 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday
Knowing your payment date can help with budgeting and planning.
Also read: The retirement decision you can’t afford to get wrong—are you making the best move?
Other changes you should know about
The Social Security Administration is also introducing new anti-fraud efforts.
Some recipients may be asked to complete in-person ID verification, adding a little extra paperwork for added protection.
Tips to get the most from your Social Security benefits
Here are a few ways to make the most of your benefits:
- Wait if you can: Your benefit increases for each year you delay claiming (up to age 70).
- Coordinate with your spouse: Married couples can use different claiming strategies to maximize total household income.
- Review your earnings record: Log in to your mySocialSecurity account to check for errors that could affect your benefit.
- Understand tax impacts: Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefit could be taxable.
- Stay informed: Rules may change. Keep up with updates from the SSA and trusted sources.
After 2027, FRA is expected to stay at 67—but changes are always possible, especially as Social Security’s long-term funding remains a topic of discussion in Washington.
Staying informed ensures you're ready for whatever comes next.
Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement for millions of Americans.
Understanding how FRA works—and how it affects your benefit—can help you make the most of what you’ve earned.
Whether you're months away from claiming or still planning ahead, knowledge is one of your best tools for a secure and comfortable retirement.
Read next: Are you working and claiming? Maximize your Social Security benefits with this essential tip!
Are you getting close to your full retirement age? Have you already started receiving Social Security benefits, or are you planning to wait? What helped you decide? We’d love to hear from you—share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience could help someone else make a smarter decision.
