Social Security's max $5,108 benefit is hard to get. Here's what to focus on instead.
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit Social Security will pay is $5,108. To be clear, though, that's higher than the program's maximum benefit at full retirement age this year. Those looking at $5,108 a month in Social Security need to delay their claims until the age of 70 to lock in payments that high.
The Average Benefit of Social Security's Oldest Recipients Might Surprise You
Since average earnings tend to rise over time, you'd expect to see younger workers -- those with higher average monthly earnings -- receive larger checks. And we do see this to some extent. A 70-year-old claimer took home an average of about $2,037.54 in December 2023.
How To Sign Up for a My Social Security Account and Estimate Retirement Benefits
To see all of your Social Security benefits, you need to sign up for a My Social Security account. Note that if you've already signed up for a login.gov or ID.me account, you can skip the following steps and just sign into your account. If you've never signed up for either of these services before, here's what you need to do.
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2005, and here's what it is now
During that time, Social Security retirement benefits have also experienced a change. In 2005, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,002, or just over $12,000 annually. To start this year, the average monthly benefit for a retired worker was $1,975.
I claimed Social Security at age 62 and am filled with regret – can I change my mind?
Here's the Average Social Security Benefit at Every Possible Claiming Age
One of the biggest Social Security decisions you'll have to make is when to sign up for benefits. Many choose to apply as soon as they're eligible, so they can get the most checks. But this isn't always the wisest move.
3 types of people who should claim Social Security at 62
Claiming Social Security at 62 is popular strategy because it gives recipients the most checks. At the same time, it reduces the size by up to 30%.
Divorced? How to Claim Social Security Benefits on Your Ex’s Record
Typically, people become eligible for Social Security by working and paying into the program. But that’s not the only path to collecting Social Security in retirement. Even if you never worked, you may be entitled to spousal benefits from Social Security.
Planning to Work While Claiming Social Security Early? Brace Yourself for This.
You can't claim Social Security retirement benefits until you turn 62, but there's no rule saying you have to be retired to do so. Many Americans choose to receive benefits while they're still working.
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Retirees, federal workers ‘scared to death’ of Musk and Trump accessing Social Security benefits
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3 Ways Social Security COLA Will Affect Your 2025 Earnings
Social Security recipients saw their monthly check grow by 2.5% in 2025 thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) designed ...
Social Security 5.9% COLA Increase Is Biggest In Nearly 40 Years
If you rely on Social Security payments, you’re receiving a much-needed raise. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is increasing benefits by 5.9%, the largest increase in 40 years.
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How families, and not just retirees, depend on Social Security
Social Security is helping more than just older adults as more children start to live with their grandparents.
'Keep your hands off our Social Security,' lawmakers warn amid DOGE budget cuts
As the Trump administration seeks to make massive cuts to federal spending, certain lawmakers and advocates say Social ...