What Is the Average Social Security Check at Age 65?

For many Americans, Social Security is a foundational source of income in retirement. And knowing how much you can expect to receive, such as what the average Social Security check is at age 65, can help you plan ahead. It’s also important to note that claiming Social Security at 65 or earlier will result in a permanent reduction to your benefits. 

A financial advisor can help evaluate your timeline and work with you to create a strategy that supports your long-term financial goals.

Claiming Social Security at age 65 is a common choice, especially since this is also when Medicare eligibility begins. While 65 isn’t the full retirement age (FRA) for most people, it’s often viewed as a natural transition point out of full-time work and into either part-time work or full retirement.

For the sake of example, say your FRA is 67 and you claim Social Security at 65. In this case, your monthly benefit would be permanently reduced. 

The Social Security Administration¹ reduces your benefit by about 0.56% per month for the first 36 months before FRA. That adds up to a 13.3% reduction if you claim 24 months early.

This reduction will apply for the rest of your life, so it’s important to determine whether the lower monthly income will meet your needs now and in the future. While claiming at 65 can provide income at a time when many are leaving the workforce or transitioning to part-time work, it’s still worth exploring whether delaying a year or two could lead to a more secure retirement.

To help you estimate your personal benefit, the Social Security Administration provides month-by-month reduction charts² based on your birth year.

For a full breakdown of the percentage of retirement benefits you’d receive if you claim Social Security at various points throughout age 65, you can check out the table below.