If you’re planning your retirement or approaching the age to claim Social Security benefits, there’s important news you should know. This November 2025, some Americans born in 1959 will officially reach their Full Retirement Age (FRA)—a key milestone that can lead to higher monthly payments.
Understanding how FRA works and how it’s changing can help you get the most money from your Social Security benefits.
What Is Full Retirement Age (FRA)?
In the past, FRA was a fixed age of 65. But in 1983, the US Congress passed a law to gradually increase the retirement age to reduce financial pressure on the Social Security system. Now, your FRA depends on the year you were born.
For example:
- If you were born in 1958, your FRA is 66 years and 8 months
- If you were born in 1959, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months
That means the first people born in 1959 will hit FRA in November 2025, and the rest will follow over the coming months. Someone born in December 1959 will reach FRA in October 2026.
Why FRA Matters for Your Social Security Check
While Americans can start collecting Social Security benefits as early as age 62, doing so results in a reduced monthly payment.
On the other hand, if you wait until your full retirement age, you’ll receive a larger benefit. For example, someone born in 1958 who waited until FRA got about 28% more per month compared to if they had started at 62.
If you were born in 1959 and are approaching FRA this year, waiting until your exact FRA (66 years and 10 months) could mean hundreds of extra dollars each month over your retirement years.
After 2027, the FRA will stay fixed at 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, unless Congress passes a new law to change it again.
Other Changes Coming to Social Security
Besides the FRA updates, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is also bringing some new rules and processes that could affect your benefits:
- In-person ID checks: Some people will need to verify their identity in person to prevent fraud.
- Payment delays: There have been cases where benefit payments, like unemployment or SSA support, were delayed, causing stress for families.
- Panic over messages: Some people recently got confusing messages from SSA, leading to public concern.
- Tips to increase benefits: Experts recommend delaying your claim and working more years to maximize your benefit amount.
This year marks an important time for people born in 1959, as they begin to reach their Full Retirement Age starting in November 2025. Waiting until FRA to claim your Social Security benefits can lead to much bigger monthly payments over time. With additional SSA updates and identity checks being rolled out, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and plan ahead. If you’re approaching retirement, consider checking your SSA profile, understanding your FRA, and talking to a financial advisor for the best outcome.