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Retirement

Social Security Calculator

Create a simplified 2026 Social Security retirement benefit estimate from average indexed monthly earnings and claiming age.

Best for: Create a simplified 2026 Social Security retirement benefit estimate from AIME and claiming age.

Your assumptions

Calculate your estimate

Your result

Social Security estimate

Estimated monthly benefit
$2,825.88
Estimated annual benefit
$33,910.56
Full-retirement-age PIA
$2,825.88

How to use this social security calculator

Use this simplified Social Security calculator to explore how average indexed monthly earnings and claiming age can affect a retirement benefit estimate. Your official SSA earnings record and benefit statement remain the authoritative source.

  1. 1

    Find or estimate AIME

    Use average indexed monthly earnings from a reliable estimate rather than current monthly salary.

  2. 2

    Choose a claiming age

    Enter an age from 62 through 70 to approximate early-claim reductions or delayed-retirement credits.

  3. 3

    Compare several ages

    Run the same AIME at multiple claiming ages and compare the monthly and annual benefit estimates.

Worked planning example

Example: compare age 62, full retirement age, and age 70

Set up

Hold AIME constant and calculate benefits at three different claiming ages.

Compare

Compare the lower benefit received earlier with the higher benefit available after delaying.

Takeaway

The calculator shows the benefit trade-off, but it cannot choose a claiming age without considering longevity, work, taxes, other income, and household needs.

Claiming age is a household planning decision

A higher monthly benefit from delay must be evaluated with cash-flow needs and the rest of the retirement plan.

  • Verify earnings history and estimates through an official my Social Security account.
  • Benefits may be affected by continued work, taxation, family benefits, or special coverage rules.
  • Coordinate the estimate with pensions, retirement accounts, and survivor planning.

Calculation methodology and assumptions

This simplified estimate applies the Social Security Administration’s 2026 PIA bend points, then approximates early-claim reductions or delayed-retirement credits. An official SSA earnings record is more precise.

Primary references

Frequently asked questions

What is AIME?

Average indexed monthly earnings is an SSA calculation based on indexed covered earnings. It is not the same as current salary or a simple career average.

Is this the same as an official SSA estimate?

No. It is a simplified illustration using the 2026 benefit formula. The SSA has your covered earnings record and can provide a more complete estimate.

Does delaying always produce the best outcome?

Delaying generally increases the monthly retirement benefit up to age 70, but the best household decision depends on longevity, work, taxes, other income, and cash-flow needs.

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