Social Security Retirement Age: Millions of Americans could soon be facing a longer wait for full Social Security benefits. As of 2025, the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security officially increases to 67 for people born in 1960—part of a phased plan passed decades ago.
But now, a new proposal from the Republican Study Committee (RSC) is pushing for an even more dramatic shift: raising the FRA to 69 by 2033, beginning as early as 2026.
What’s Changing in 2025?
For Americans born in 1960, full retirement benefits now begin at age 67—not 65. This change is the final step of a gradual increase set in motion by a 1983 reform meant to help stabilize Social Security as Americans live longer.
While retirees can still start receiving benefits at age 62, they will face a permanent reduction of up to 30%. Those who delay until age 70, however, can see a 24% boost in monthly payments.
According to the Social Security Administration, these adjustments are designed to reflect longer life expectancy and protect the program’s solvency. But not everyone sees them as fair—especially for people in physically demanding jobs who may not be able to delay retirement.
Full Retirement Age to Reach 69
The Republican Study Committee’s 2025 budget proposal introduces a more aggressive timeline. If adopted, Americans currently aged 30 to 59 would see their full retirement age rise to 69 by 2033.
That would mean working two more years for full benefits and facing an average lifetime benefit reduction of 13%, or up to $420,000 for some individuals.
Unlike the previous increase from age 65 to 67, which took 33 years to fully implement, this new proposal would accelerate the shift in just 7 years, beginning in 2026. The plan aims to delay the depletion of the Social Security trust fund, which is currently projected to run short by 2033, by just one additional year.
Criticism and Political Battle
The proposal has sparked heated criticism from Democrats, who argue it would disproportionately harm working families, seniors, and veterans. Congressman Brendan Boyle condemned the plan as “a betrayal of the middle class,” while calling for alternative solutions such as lifting the payroll tax cap on incomes above $400,000.
Democratic lawmakers are backing the Social Security and Medicare Fair Share Act, which would increase contributions from high earners rather than reduce benefits or raise the retirement age. “We will not allow benefits earned by workers to be sacrificed to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy,” Boyle said.
What Americans Should Do Now
Financial advisors are urging Americans—especially those under 60—to begin reassessing their retirement strategies. Even a small increase of 2% to 3% in 401(k) contributions can help offset future benefit reductions. Experts also recommend maximizing employer matching, diversifying with Roth IRAs, and exploring Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as supplemental savings vehicles.
For those in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, staying informed and proactive is crucial. If the proposed changes move forward, the retirement landscape will look very different by the end of the decade.
The Social Security full retirement age is already set to reach 67 in 2025, but it may not stop there. A new plan could push it to 69 by 2033, beginning in 2026. While the goal is to extend the program’s solvency, the real cost could fall on everyday Americans. Now is the time to plan ahead.