Social Security Retirement Age for People Born in 1956
For people born in 1956, full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. Here is how claiming earlier or later changes the monthly retirement benefit, plus this cohort's RMD and Medicare milestones.
IndependentFreeNo sign-upSources: Social Security Administration · IRS
Your full retirement age
66 and 4 months
If you were born in 1956, your Social Security full retirement age is 66 and 4 months, which you reach between May 2022 and April 2023, depending on your birth month. Claiming at 62 instead permanently cuts your monthly benefit by 26.7%; waiting until 70 raises it 29.3% above your FRA amount. Separately, your first Required Minimum Distribution is due for 2029 — the year you turn 73 under SECURE 2.0 — and Medicare eligibility begins at 65, in 2021.
Full retirement age
66 and 4 months
FRA reached
May 2022 – April 2023
Claim at 62
−26.7%
Wait until 70
+29.3%
RMD start age
73 (in 2029)
Medicare eligible
65, in 2021
| Claim age | Percent of FRA benefit | Illustrative monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 73.3% | $1,467 |
| 63 | 78.3% | $1,567 |
| 64 | 84.4% | $1,689 |
| 65 | 91.1% | $1,822 |
| 66 | 97.8% | $1,956 |
| 67 | 105.3% | $2,107 |
| 68 | 113.3% | $2,267 |
| 69 | 121.3% | $2,427 |
| 70 | 129.3% | $2,587 |
Your own dollar estimate comes from your earnings record. The percentages above apply to your primary insurance amount; check your my Social Security account for that figure.
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Related for the 1956 cohort
See where 1956 sits on the full retirement age chart, check your RMD table for age 73, or use thebreak-even calculator to compare claiming at 62 vs 66 vs 70 with your own benefit amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is full retirement age if I was born in 1956?
Your Social Security full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. You reach it between May 2022 and April 2023, depending on your birth month. Claiming before that point permanently reduces the monthly retirement benefit; delaying beyond it earns delayed retirement credits through age 70.
Can someone born in 1956 claim Social Security at 62?
Yes. Retirement benefits can generally begin at 62, but for the 1956 cohort the amount is permanently reduced by 26.7% compared with the benefit at full retirement age. Use your SSA statement amount to calculate your own dollar estimate.
When do I have to start taking RMDs if I was born in 1956?
Under SECURE 2.0, the 1956 cohort's required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s begin at age 73 — your first RMD year is 2029. This is separate from Social Security full retirement age.
Does this page estimate my exact Social Security benefit?
No. It applies official claiming-age percentages to an illustrative benefit. Your exact primary insurance amount comes from your earnings record in your my Social Security account.
This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Pensora is independent and not affiliated with the SSA, the IRS, or any government agency. For decisions about your own situation, consider a licensed financial advisor.