Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (ADFP) Practice Test

Full retirement benefits in the Social Security system are payable at normal retirement age. This is the age defined by the Social Security Administration, which varies depending on the year of birth but is generally around ages 66 to 67 for those born in the 1960s and later. At this age, individuals are eligible to receive their full monthly benefit amount without any reductions for early retirement.

Claiming benefits before reaching normal retirement age can result in a permanent reduction in the monthly benefits received. Conversely, delaying benefits beyond normal retirement age can lead to increased benefits, but full benefits remain payable at the normal retirement age.

While benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, this option does not provide the full amount, thus addressing why it is not the correct answer. Also, age 70 relates to delaying benefits for increased amounts but not necessarily to when full retirement benefits are first payable. Therefore, the correct answer effectively reflects the established age at which full benefits can be accessed without any reductions.