# How Much Money 65-Year-Olds Lose by Claiming Social Security Early

> Claiming Social Security at 65 cuts monthly benefits by 13.33% compared to 67.
- Title: How Much Money 65-Year-Olds Lose by Claiming Social Security…
- Summary: Claiming Social Security at 65 cuts monthly benefits by 13.33% compared to 67. The average 65-year-old loses $409 monthly by claiming Social Security early…
- Keywords: social security, medicare, retirement planning, social security benefits, 65-year-old, 67-year-old, monthly benefits, benefit reduction, Much, Money, 65-Year-Olds, Lose
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/09/23/heres-how-much-money-the-average-65-year-old-leaves-on-the-table-by-claiming-social-security-early
- Author: Maurie Backman
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:30:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: social security, medicare, retirement planning, social security benefits, 65-year-old, 67-year-old, monthly benefits, benefit reduction
## Claiming Social Security at 65
Claiming Social Security at 65 feels logical, especially when Medicare kicks in at the same age.
## Social Security Benefits at 65 vs 67
The average monthly Social Security benefit for 65-year-olds was $1,607.27 as of the end of 2025.
## Full Retirement Age for Social Security
For those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67, the age when benefits are not reduced.
## Monthly Benefit Difference
Claiming at 65 reduces monthly benefits by 13.33% compared to 67, a difference of $409 per month.
## Medicare and Social Security
Social Security and Medicare are separate programs; Medicare Part B premiums are paid from Social Security benefits.
## What Happens Next
Delaying Social Security claims until age 67 increases lifetime benefits by nearly $5,000 annually.
## Key takeaway

The average 65-year-old loses $409 monthly by claiming Social Security early, reducing lifetime benefits by nearly $5,000 annually.