The concept of retirement has long been intertwined with the age at which Americans can claim full Social Security benefits. For decades, 65 was considered the golden age for retirees. In recent years, this milestone quietly shifted, with 67 becoming the new benchmark for full retirement age (FRA). In 2025, New Yorkers and all Americans will feel the full effect of this change, marking the end of a gradual transition that has shaped retirement planning for millions.
This article explores the implications of the new Social Security retirement age, what it means for current and future retirees, and why this shift changes everything about planning for retirement. We’ll break down the facts, examine the strategies people are adopting, and provide easy-to-reference tables and stats to guide you through this new retirement landscape.
The Evolution of Retirement Age
For most of the program’s existence, the Social Security Administration recognized 65 as the full retirement age. However, legislative reforms in the early 1980s paved the way for major changes. The Social Security Amendments of 1983 mandated a gradual increase in the FRA to reflect rising life expectancy and maintain program solvency.
- Born 1937 and earlier: FRA was 65.
- Born 1943–1954: FRA is 66.
- Born 1955–1959: FRA gradually increased by two months each year.
New Full Retirement Age Table
Birth Year Full Retirement Age (FRA)
1943–1954 66…