Hey there, have you heard the news? The Retirement Age just changed!

If you’re in your late 50s or early 60s—or have parents or loved ones who are—then April 2025 brings some news you don’t want to miss. The U.S. retirement age has officially shifted again, and it’s leaving many folks wondering:

“Can I still retire when I planned?”

“How will this impact my Social Security benefits?”

“Do I need to rethink everything I’ve worked toward?”

Let’s walk through what’s changing, what it means for you, and how you can adapt without panic.

📆 So, What’s Changing in April 2025? If you were born in 1960 or later, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is now 67. That means you’ll need to wait until 67 to receive 100% of your Social Security benefits.

In case you’re wondering, this isn’t a sudden policy switch—it’s the final step in a long, gradual increase that began back in the 1980s. But for many of us, it still feels like a wake-up call now that it’s finally here.

“I had always assumed 65 was my retirement age—just like my parents,” one of our clients recently told us. “I didn’t realize I’d need to wait two more years to get my full benefits.”

⏳ You Can Still Retire at 62—But Here’s the Catch

Yes, 62 is still the earliest you can start collecting Social Security. But doing so now could mean up to a 30% permanent reduction in your monthly benefit if your FRA is 67.

Let’s break that down:

If you’re expecting $2,000/month at full retirement age and retire at 62, you’d only get about $1,400/month. That’s a difference of $600/month—or over $7,000/year.

For a 25-year retirement, that adds up to a $175,000 difference. Not exactly pocket change.

🧩 Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Because so many people are just hitting retirement age in 2025, and this update affects a huge chunk of Americans. If you’re:

• Born in 1960 or later
• Planning to retire soon
• Confused by the rules (you’re not alone!)

Then this change directly impacts your financial future.

And it’s not just about Social Security—this could affect your:

• Retirement income strategy
• Health insurance timing
• Spousal and survivor benefits
• Tax planning

This is where coordinated legal and financial planning becomes not just helpful—but necessary.

💡 Planning Tips from Our Legal and Financial Team

We’ve helped many clients navigate this exact situation—here are some simple steps you can take now:

Check your Social Security statement (SSA.gov) and verify your official Full Retirement Age. Even if you think you know it, double-check. A few months can make a big difference.

Account for the reduced benefits if you retire early. Are you okay with the trade-off? Or would waiting give you more freedom and security?

Some clients choose to tap into their retirement savings (like a 401(k) or IRA) in their early 60s to delay claiming Social Security. This often leads to larger guaranteed monthly benefits later on.

Can you scale back your hours at work instead of quitting altogether? Many employers now offer part-time or flex plans for older employees. It’s a great way to reduce burnout while delaying benefits.

Honestly, this is a critical time to get clear guidance. Your Social Security decision isn’t just about today—it’s about your next 20-30 years.

One couple we recently worked with—David (62) and Liza (60)—had planned to retire together this year. But with the retirement age shift, they were facing different FRA thresholds.

After reviewing their finances and health needs, we helped them design a staggered strategy:

• David works part-time until 67.
• Liza begins drawing a small pension at 62.
• They delay both Social Security claims to maximize spousal benefits.

Now they’re more confident, more in control, and—most importantly—less stressed.

💬 A Note from Quraishi Law & Wealth

We know retirement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about your life, your goals, and your peace of mind.

That’s why at Quraishi Law & Wealth, we blend legal strategy with financial planning, helping you make smart, informed choices without the overwhelm. Whether you’re preparing to retire, considering a shift in your timeline, or simply unsure how these changes affect you, we’re here to help.

✅ Ready to Rework Your Retirement Plan?

Let’s make sure your retirement still works for you—even with the April changes.

📅 Schedule Your Complimentary Retirement Check-In

You’ve worked hard for your future. We’ll help you protect it.