Social Security Calculator
How the simplified estimate works
Social Security starts from your AIME — a lifetime average of indexed monthly earnings — and converts it to a primary insurance amount (PIA). This tool skips the bend-point formula and applies flat claiming factors to your AIME: about 70% if you claim at 62, 100% at full retirement age (67 for people born 1960+), and about 124% at 70 thanks to delayed retirement credits. Real benefits are usually lower than a straight AIME × factor, because the bend points replace a larger share of lower earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my actual AIME?
Create an account at ssa.gov and open your latest Social Security Statement — it lists your estimated benefit at different ages, which is more precise than any generic calculator.
Why is claiming later worth more?
Benefits are actuarially balanced: claiming early accepts a permanently smaller check; delaying past full retirement age earns about 8% more per year until 70. The break-even is typically in your early 80s, so longevity matters more than the raw totals.