Delayed Retirement Credits Explained
Delayed retirement credits add 8% per year to your Social Security benefit past full retirement age, up to 70. Here is the full picture.
Delayed retirement credits add 8% per year to your Social Security benefit past full retirement age, up to 70. Here is the full picture.
Delayed retirement credits (DRCs) are the reward for waiting past your FRA: your benefit grows 8% per year (2/3% per month) for every month you delay, up to age 70. After 70 there is no further increase.
Examples (FRA 67):
| Wait until | Increase | Benefit ($2,000 PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| 67 (FRA) | — | $2,000 |
| 68 | +8% | $2,160 |
| 69 | +16% | $2,320 |
| 70 | +24% | $2,480 |
DRCs apply to retirement benefits and to survivor benefits; they do not increase spousal benefits. The trade-off is the income you give up while waiting — model it with the delayed credits calculator and the break-even calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Social Security increase after FRA?
8% per year of delayed credits, up to 70 — 24% total if your FRA is 67 and you wait to 70.
Do delayed credits apply to spousal benefits?
No — spousal benefits do not earn delayed credits, though your own record benefit does.
Can I get delayed credits past 70?
No — the credits stop at 70. There is no benefit to waiting beyond your 70th birthday.