Social Security benefit increase after FRA - is 8% yearly boost prorated monthly or not?
My full retirement age (FRA) is December 2025, when I'll be turning 67. I'm planning to continue working until then since I actually enjoy my job and the extra income helps with my grandson's college fund. I've been trying to maximize my Social Security benefits and was wondering about the delayed retirement credits. If I wait to file until February 1, 2026 (so just 2 months after my FRA), will my benefit increase by the full 8% for the year, or is it calculated monthly (like 2/12 of 8%)? The SSA website mentions an 8% yearly increase for delaying past FRA, but I'm confused about whether partial years count proportionally or if you need to wait the full year to get any increase at all. Has anyone here delayed just a few months past their FRA and can share how much their benefit actually increased?
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Keisha Robinson
The 8% per year increase for delaying past your FRA is prorated on a monthly basis, so you'd get about 2/3 of 1% for each month you delay. For your example of waiting 2 months past your FRA, you'd get approximately a 1.33% increase (2 months × 0.667% per month). The monthly rate works out to 8% ÷ 12 = 0.667% per month of delay. There's no need to wait a full year to get credit - you earn it month by month after FRA until age 70.
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Yara Nassar
•Thank you so much for clarifying! That's actually great news since every little bit helps. So if I understand correctly, I could potentially delay until age 70 for the maximum 24% increase (8% × 3 years), or I could claim at any point before that and still get some proportional benefit increase. That gives me more flexibility with my retirement planning.
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GalaxyGuardian
my brother waited 4 months after his FRA and got about 2.5% more on his check. not a huge amount but he said it was worth it for him. good luck with your decision!!
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Paolo Ricci
•It may not seem like much for 4 months, but that 2.5% is for LIFE! And it affects any survivor benefits too. Every month you wait is more money forever. I waited 18 months past my FRA and wish I'd gone all the way to 70 now that I see the numbers.
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Amina Toure
I spent HOURS on the phone with SS last year trying to get this exact question answered. The 8% is definitely prorated monthly (0.667% per month). But here's something important they told me - if you're still working, your benefit calculation might increase anyway based on your continued earnings replacing lower earning years in your calculation. So you could potentially get BOTH the delayed retirement credits AND a higher base benefit amount due to continued work. The rep I spoke to suggested running a calculation both ways before deciding.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•This is SO true - many people don't realize that working past FRA can replace low-earning years in your top 35! My wife worked until 69 and her benefit went up by almost 14% - part from the delay credits and part from replacing some zero years from when she stayed home with our kids in the 80s.
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Natasha Volkova
Adding to what others have shared, I'd like to clarify that the delayed retirement credits (DRCs) are indeed earned at a rate of 2/3 of 1% per month (or 8% per year) for those born in 1943 or later. These credits begin accruing the month you reach FRA and continue until age 70, with no benefit to waiting beyond 70. One thing to consider: if you're married, delaying can also increase potential survivor benefits for your spouse, as they would be eligible to receive your higher benefit amount if you predecease them. This is an important factor many people overlook when deciding when to claim.
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Yara Nassar
•I hadn't even thought about the survivor benefit aspect! My wife is 3 years younger than me and has a much smaller work history, so that's definitely something to consider. Thanks for bringing this up - it gives me even more to think about in my planning.
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Javier Torres
u dont have to wait til january if u turn 67 in nov 2027 u can apply 4 month before ur bday and SSA will pay u the first month ur eligible. but honestly why delay at all??? the break even point is like 12 years so unless u think ur gonna live past 80 just take the money now and enjoy it!!!
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Keisha Robinson
•There's a misunderstanding here. The OP is asking about delaying PAST their Full Retirement Age (which is when they turn 67), not about applying early. Also, the break-even calculation varies widely based on individual circumstances and investment assumptions. For many people, especially with family longevity or a spouse who might receive survivor benefits, delaying can be financially advantageous.
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Paolo Ricci
I've been trying to reach someone at Social Security for THREE WEEKS to ask this exact question about delayed retirement credits!! Every time I call I'm on hold for 2+ hours and then get disconnected or told to call back. The local office is appointment only and they're booked solid for months. This system is MADDENING!! How is anyone supposed to plan their retirement when you can't even get basic information??
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Amina Toure
•I had the exact same problem, it's so frustrating. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a rep in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first but it worked great. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - totally changed my experience with getting questions answered.
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GalaxyGuardian
is this the same if ur on disability? i turn 67 next yr and was wondering if i should wait to switch from SSDI to retirement
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Natasha Volkova
•The situation is different for SSDI. When you reach your Full Retirement Age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, generally at the same amount. The delayed retirement credits strategy only applies to retirement benefits that haven't been claimed yet. Since you're already receiving SSDI, you won't have the option to delay and increase your benefit - the conversion happens automatically.
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Oliver Zimmermann
Seeing alot of good info here but nobody mentioned TAXES! Depending on ur other income, delaying might push u into a higher tax bracket when u finally claim. My neighbor waited till 70 and now has to pay taxes on 85% of his SS cuz his required minimum distributions from his 401k plus the bigger SS benefit put him over the limit. Somethin to think about!!!
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Keisha Robinson
•This is partially accurate but potentially misleading. The taxation of Social Security benefits is based on your combined income regardless of when you claim. If anything, claiming earlier could result in higher lifetime taxation because you'd be drawing from retirement accounts alongside Social Security for more years. Tax planning is important, but it generally doesn't favor early claiming from a mathematical perspective.
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