The Social Security retirement benefits calculator helps you estimate your future monthly payments based on your work and earnings history. With the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2026 and updates from the Social Security Fairness Act of 2025, having an accurate estimate of your benefits is more important than ever.

This tool considers factors such as your current age, planned retirement age, earnings history, and the number of years you have worked under the Social Security system.

2026 Retirement Benefits Estimator

Note: This is an approximate estimate. For an official calculation, use the SSA tool or review your Social Security statement.

How the Benefits Calculator Works

Social Security retirement benefit calculations are based on several key factors that determine your monthly payment amount:

  • Earnings History: Your 35 highest-earning years are used, indexed for inflation
  • Retirement Age: Benefits vary significantly depending on when you start collecting
  • Years Worked: You need at least 10 years (40 quarters) of work to qualify
  • COLA Adjustments: Benefits are adjusted annually for cost of living
  • PIA Formula: The Primary Insurance Amount formula updated for 2026 is applied

Need help with your estimate?

Schedule a Personal Consultation

Official SSA Calculator

For the most accurate estimate, use the official Social Security Administration calculator:

Use Official SSA Calculator

Official and secure government tool

Factors That Affect Your Retirement Benefits

Several elements influence the final calculation of your monthly Social Security benefits:

Retirement Age

  • Early Retirement (age 62): Permanent reduction of 25–30% in benefits
  • Full Retirement Age (age 67): 100% of your calculated benefit amount
  • Delayed Retirement (up to age 70): 8% increase for each year you delay

Earnings History

The SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, zero-income years are included in the average, reducing your benefit.

Important tip: Working a full 35 years maximizes your base benefit. Each additional year with higher earnings can replace an earlier year with lower income.

2026 Benefit Updates

Retirement benefits have been updated for 2026 with several important changes:

2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Social Security benefits received a 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, increasing monthly payments for all current beneficiaries.

Social Security Fairness Act 2025

The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act has eliminated WEP and GPO reductions, improving benefits for government employees and educators.

Maximum Benefit 2026

$4,873/month

For retirement at age 70

Average Benefit 2026

$1,976/month

For retirement at age 67

Next Steps to Maximize Your Benefits

Once you have estimated your benefits, consider these important steps:

  1. 1 Create your my Social Security account to access your official Social Security statement and accurate estimates
  2. 2 Review your earnings record to verify that all your income has been correctly reported
  3. 3 Plan your retirement strategy by deciding when to start collecting benefits to maximize your monthly payments
  4. 4 Apply for benefits up to 3 months before the date you want payments to begin

Ready to apply for your retirement benefits?

Next: Apply for Retirement Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I start receiving retirement benefits?

You can start receiving benefits at age 62, but they will be permanently reduced. The full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. View the application process.

How can I get a more accurate estimate of my benefits?

Create your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to access your annual statement with official estimates based on your actual earnings history. Create your account here.

Can I work while receiving retirement benefits?

Yes, but there are earnings limits if you have not yet reached full retirement age. In 2026, you can earn up to $22,320 without affecting your benefits. Check current limits.

How does the Social Security Fairness Act affect my benefits?

The act eliminated WEP and GPO reductions for government and public sector employees, significantly increasing benefits for these workers. Full details here.