For Americans born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age for Social Security is now officially 67, marking the end of a decades-long phase-in from age 65. The change may sound small on paper, but it is already reshaping retirement planning for millions of women across the country. Many women rely more heavily on Social Security because they often earn less over their careers, take time away from work for caregiving, and generally live longer than men. Financial experts say claiming benefits too early could reduce monthly income for the rest of retirement, making timing more important than ever. As inflation, healthcare costs, and longer life expectancy continue to rise, understanding how the full retirement age rule works can help women avoid costly mistakes.
