Social Security Retirement Age for People Born in 1978
For people born in 1978, full retirement age is 67. 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
67
If you were born in 1978, your Social Security full retirement age is 67, which you reach between January 2045 and December 2045, depending on your birth month. Claiming at 62 instead permanently cuts your monthly benefit by 30.0%; waiting until 70 raises it 24.0% above your FRA amount. Separately, your first Required Minimum Distribution is due for 2053 — the year you turn 75 under SECURE 2.0 — and Medicare eligibility begins at 65, in 2043.
Full retirement age
67
FRA reached
January 2045 – December 2045
Claim at 62
−30.0%
Wait until 70
+24.0%
RMD start age
75 (in 2053)
Medicare eligible
65, in 2043
| Claim age | Percent of FRA benefit | Illustrative monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 70.0% | $1,400 |
| 63 | 75.0% | $1,500 |
| 64 | 80.0% | $1,600 |
| 65 | 86.7% | $1,733 |
| 66 | 93.3% | $1,867 |
| 67 | 100.0% | $2,000 |
| 68 | 108.0% | $2,160 |
| 69 | 116.0% | $2,320 |
| 70 | 124.0% | $2,480 |
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 1978 cohort
See where 1978 sits on the full retirement age chart, check your RMD table for age 75, or use thebreak-even calculator to compare claiming at 62 vs 67 vs 70 with your own benefit amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is full retirement age if I was born in 1978?
Your Social Security full retirement age is 67. You reach it between January 2045 and December 2045, 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 1978 claim Social Security at 62?
Yes. Retirement benefits can generally begin at 62, but for the 1978 cohort the amount is permanently reduced by 30.0% 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 1978?
Under SECURE 2.0, the 1978 cohort's required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s begin at age 75 — your first RMD year is 2053. 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.