Social Security Life Expectancy Calculator
Compare total lifetime Social Security benefits under your own life-expectancy assumption — early vs delayed claiming.
Runs 100% in your browser — your benefit numbers never leave this pageTry: Early claiming age=62, Monthly benefit early=1400, Later claiming age=70, Monthly benefit later=2480, Your life expectancy=85 → $386,400, $446,400, +$60,000, Claiming late
How to use
Enter two claiming options and your estimated life expectancy. SSA actuaries project about 84 (men) and 87 (women) for people reaching 65 — adjust for your health and family history. Press Calculate to see which strategy wins for you.
Related: break-even explained.
FAQ
What life expectancy should I use?
SSA's actuarial tables say about 84 for men and 87 for women who reach 65. If your family lives long, use a higher number; if you have health concerns, use lower.
How does life expectancy change the decision?
Shorter expected life favors claiming early; longer favors delaying. The crossover is the break-even age — live past it and delaying wins.
Should I use the break-even or life-expectancy tool?
Use both: the break-even calculator finds the crossover, this tool compares totals at your own age assumption.