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With a high standard of living and transparent welfare system, the United States has become an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy their retirement. So, what is the retirement age in the U.S.? How does the retirement policy work? Let’s explore the details in this article by Quoc Tich Thu Hai.
The retirement age in the U.S., also known as the Full Retirement Age (FRA), depends on the year of birth of the worker and is regulated by the SSA. Below is a table of retirement ages by year of birth:
The retirement age in the U.S. depends on the worker’s year of birth
Born before 1937: retirement age is 65.
Born from 1938 to 1959: retirement age gradually increases from 65 years and 2 months to 66 years and 10 months.
Born in 1960 or later: retirement age is 67.
Workers can receive early retirement benefits from age 62, but the benefit amount will be reduced by approximately 30% compared to receiving it at the full retirement age (FRA). Conversely, if benefits are delayed until age 70, the monthly amount can increase up to 132% of the standard benefit. For example, if your FRA is 67 and you wait until age 70, your benefits will increase by 24% due to Delayed Retirement Credits.
Note: The retirement age does not apply rigidly to all professions. Federal employees, police officers, firefighters, or teachers may retire earlier (after 25–30 years of service) with their own retirement funds.
The Social Security system is the foundation of retirement policy in the U.S. Workers pay Social Security taxes throughout their careers, earning credits to qualify for benefits. On average, 40 credits (equivalent to 10 years of work) are required to be eligible.
The benefit amount is based on:
Average earnings: The SSA uses the highest earnings over 35 years of work, adjusted for inflation (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings - AIME).
Retirement age: Retiring early (age 62) receives 70–80% of the benefit; retiring at full retirement age (FRA) receives 100%; delaying until age 70 receives up to 132%.
Calculation formula: AIME is applied to a formula to determine the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the base benefit.
As of January 2025, the average benefit is $1,907 per month (up from $1,657 per month in 2022 due to inflation adjustments). The maximum benefit in 2025 is:
$2,834 if retiring at age 62.
$4,098 if retiring at FRA (67 years old).
$5,141 if retiring at age 70.
You can check your personal estimated benefits at www.ssa.gov.
In addition to retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supports individuals aged 65 and older with low income or disabilities. The maximum SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 per month for couples, depending on the state and circumstances.
U.S. retirement policy is not only for workers but also extends to family members, includingo gồm:
Spouse: Can receive up to 50% of the worker’s benefit if aged 62 or older, or under 62 if caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child.
Children: Children under 18 (or 19 if still in high school) can receive up to 50% of the benefit. Disabled children before age 22 are also eligible.
Other dependents: Stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children may receive benefits in certain cases.
U.S. retirement policy extends to family members
Individuals aged 65 and older are eligible to enroll in Medicare, the federal health insurance program, which includes:
Part A: Free, covers hospital costs.
Part B: Monthly premium ($174.70/month in 2025), covers medical services.
Medicare Advantage: Private plan with additional benefits.
Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs.
Green card holders who have lived continuously in the U.S. for 5 years can also enroll in Medicare, even if they have not yet earned enough Social Security credits.
To qualify for retirement benefits, you must:
Tích lũy ít nhất 40 tín chỉ (10 năm làm việc, tối đa 4 tín chỉ/năm).
Reach the minimum age of 62.
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Have paid Social Security taxes during your working years.
If you retire early due to health reasons, you may apply for disability benefits, which are equivalent to full retirement benefits.
If you are considering immigrating to the U.S. to access retirement benefits, Quoc Tich Thu Hai recommends the EB-5 program – investing $800,000 in an approved project to receive a green card for the whole family. With a green card, you can:
Work legally and accumulate Social Security credits.
Enroll in Medicare after 5 years of residence.
Sponsor relatives to come to the U.S. under family reunification.
Additionally, immigration programs in Europe (Malta, Greece) or the Caribbean (Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis) offered by Quoc Tich Thu Hai can serve as a stepping stone to access the U.S. through an E-2 visa, with faster processing times (6–12 months).
The U.S. retirement system with flexible retirement age from 62 to 70
The U.S. retirement system, with a flexible retirement age ranging from 62 to 70 and transparent benefit policies, provides peace of mind for workers and their families. If you are seeking opportunities to immigrate to the U.S. to access these benefits, contact Quoc Tich Thu Hai at https://quoctichthuhai.com/.
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