Determining FRA Start Date Based on Birthdate

If a client’s birthday is 8/2/1956, is his FRA effective start date of 66-4 months in December or November?

Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age at which you become eligible to receive your full Social Security retirement benefits without any reductions. The FRA varies depending on the year of your birth, and it gradually increases for those born after 1937. For individuals born in 1956, the FRA is 66 years and 4 months.

FRA is calculated based on the month and year of your birth. If you were born on the 1st of the month, Social Security considers you to have reached your FRA in the previous month. However, if you were born on the 2nd of the month or later, your FRA will begin in the month that completes the full age, which, in this example, is 66 years and 4 months.

For instance, if someone was born on August 2, 1956, their FRA would be calculated as follows:

• Birthdate: August 2, 1956
• FRA: 66 years and 4 months
• Effective FRA Month: December 2022

If the same person had been born just one day earlier, on August 1, 1956, their FRA would begin in November 2022 because Social Security rounds the FRA to the nearest full month when the birthdate is on the 1st.

Understanding how FRA is calculated is important because it affects when you can start receiving your full Social Security benefits. Starting benefits before reaching FRA will result in a reduction, while delaying benefits beyond FRA can increase your monthly benefit due to Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs).

The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Social Security rules change periodically, so some information may become outdated. For the most accurate advice, consult a certified National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®). Social Security Professionals, LLC, and NSSA® are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this blog's content. Use of this blog does not create a client relationship, and all information is provided "as is" without guarantees. By using this blog, you agree to hold Social Security Professionals, LLC, and NSSA® harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from its content. For personalized guidance, contact an NSSA® professional.