Estimate your monthly and annual Social Security benefit from your earnings history and claiming age.
The method behind this calculator
Your benefit depends on three inputs: how much you earned, how many years you worked, and when you claim. This calculator applies the standard bend-point formula and the claiming adjustment to give a monthly figure.
Because the formula is progressive, higher earners replace a smaller share of their pre-retirement income than lower earners do.
How to fill it in
- Enter your average annual earnings and years worked.
- Pick your intended claiming age.
- Compare the benefit at 62, full retirement age and 70.
The maths behind it
benefit = PIA × claiming adjustment
PIA uses the 90% / 32% / 15% bend-point formula
Worked example
On the values this calculator opens with, the estimated monthly benefit is $2,444.41. Underneath, AIME comes out at $5,416.67 and PIA at full retirement age at $2,444.41. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 35 years of work?
The formula averages your highest 35 years. Fewer years means zeros are averaged in, which lowers the benefit.
Does working while claiming reduce my benefit?
Before full retirement age, yes — an earnings test withholds part of the benefit, though it is credited back later.