Knowing the average monthly Social Security check by age can help with retirement planning. As of May 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid out $108.3 billion in monthly benefits to approximately 55.5 million retirees and families.
What amount do they receive? The average monthly Social Security check for retired workers in May 2025 was $2,002.39, up $2.42 from the April average of $1,999.97, according to the SSA’s Monthly Statistical Summary.
This marks the first time that the average monthly benefit has surpassed $2,000. The monthly personal benefit is determined by your earnings, length of employment, age at the time you applied for benefits, and marital status.
Social Security Benefits by Age in 2025
Because of the complexities of calculating benefits, determining the exact amount of payments can be difficult if you haven’t yet started receiving them. However, it is possible to obtain a reasonable estimate.
It is recommended that you consult the 2025 Social Security payment schedule to determine when your benefits will arrive.
The average check in 2024 can be used to estimate monthly benefits upon retirement at ages 62, 66/67, and 70. The key point is that 62 is the minimum age to claim a reduced benefit, 66/67 is full retirement age (based on birth year), and 70 allows you to receive the maximum amount by delaying your claim.
Using data from the SSA’s Annual Statistical Supplement, 2025, you can also compare amounts by age and whether the benefit begins at full retirement age or with delayed retirement credits.
When comparing the maximum benefit by age, the increase from delaying collection until age 70 is easily quantifiable. The difference in 2025 between the maximum at age 62 and 70 is $2,187.
Retirement payments coming in July 2025
In July 2025, Social Security payments will be distributed on Wednesdays:
July 9 (for those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th)
July 16 (for those with birthdays 11th-20th)
and July 23 (for those with birthdays 21st-31st).
Recipients who claimed benefits before May 1997 received their payment on July 3.
In the list below you will find the list of maximum possible benefits from 62 to 70:
62 years old, the youngest possible retirement age: $2,831 (reduced payments for early retirement)
66/67 years old, full retirement age depending on the year of birth: $4,018 (no reductions or additional credits)
70 years old, the maximum age for accruing work credit: $5,108 (increased payment due to delayed retirement age)
Requirements to get the maximum Social Security benefit in 2026
In 2025, the maximum Social Security check will be $5,108. To receive the maximum in 2026, or to increase future benefits, immediate action is required.
Qualifying for the maximum amount is unusual, but there are ways to maximize benefits. Achieving this benefit is contingent not only on a high salary, but also on job status, age, marital status, and retirement plans.
Even if you don’t reach the maximum, there are ways to increase your earnings. The maximum retirement benefit in 2025 is $5,108 per month, which applies only to high-income individuals who have reached 35 years of maximum taxable income and postpone claiming until age 70.
Earning a higher salary in 2025 has an impact on future benefits, which are calculated based on lifetime earnings. In 2025, the highest income subject to Social Security tax is $176,100.
This maximum is set to change next year due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which affects benefits and other relevant figures such as taxable income, for example.
Working longer hours increases your benefits. The SSA calculates the monthly benefit based on the highest 35 years of earnings.
To be eligible for benefits, you must have worked at least ten years, but the maximum benefit requires 35 years. If you work for less than 35 years, years with no earnings are included in the calculation, which lowers the average.
The calculation is based on average indexed monthly earnings. The average is calculated by adding up to 35 years of indexed earnings. The SSA uses a formula to calculate the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the basis for benefits paid.
Delaying your benefit claim is one of the most effective strategies for increasing your payments. Your full retirement age (FRA) provides you with a 100% benefit. Claiming benefits at age 62 results in an annual reduction, whereas waiting beyond the FRA generates an annual deferred retirement credit until age 70.
