How much is the average Social Security check?
In April 2022, the average monthly benefit for retired workers was $1,666.49. The average monthly benefit spousal benefit was $837.34. The Social Security administration ties the cost-of-living adjustment to the annual inflation rate.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average monthly benefit is around $1,703.98, as of July 2023. Those who paid into Social Security can start receiving their checks at 61, and full benefits at 66. Learn more about when to expect your payments, and how much to anticipate.
Social Security benefits are typically computed using "average indexed monthly earnings." This average summarizes up to 35 years of a worker's indexed earnings. We apply a formula to this average to compute the primary insurance amount (PIA). The PIA is the basis for the benefits that are paid to an individual.
The full minimum PIA, which requires at least 30 years of work, is $1,033.50 per month in 2023 and $1,066.50 in 2024. Unlike regular Social Security, which pays out retirement benefits according to your past income, special minimum benefits are calculated based on how many years you've worked.
In 2023, the average senior on Social Security collects $1,827 a month. But you may be eligible for a lot more money than that. In fact, some seniors this year are looking at a monthly benefit of $4,555, which is the maximum Social Security will pay. Here's how to score a benefit that high.
Based on data from the SSA, the 565,887 retired workers who were 62 years old and receiving a Social Security benefit as of December 2022 were taking home $1,274.87 per month, or about $15,298 on an annualized basis. There are typically two reasons why workers choose to take their payout as early as possible.
| Type of beneficiary | Percent of total payouts | Average monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|
| All recipients | 100% | $1,705.79 |
| Retirement benefits | 78.4% | $1,792.37 |
| Retired workers | 74.5% | $1,840.27 |
| Survivor benefits | 8.7% | $1,454.48 |
Social Security bases your retirement benefits on your lifetime earnings. We adjust or “index” your actual earnings to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then we calculate your average indexed monthly earnings from your highest 35 years of earnings.
But even if you never worked and therefore don't have an earnings record, you're not necessarily out of luck. If you're married (or were married) to someone who's entitled to Social Security, you can collect spousal benefits equal to 50% of your husband or wife's benefits at full retirement age.
If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62. We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings.
What is the lowest Social Security payment for 2023?
For 2023, the special minimum benefit starts at $49.40 for someone with 11 years of coverage and goes to $1,033.50 for workers with 30 years of coverage. A financial advisor can help you plan your retirement taking into account your Social Security benefits. Speak with an advisor today.
Bottom Line. Yes, Social Security is taxed federally after the age of 70. If you get a Social Security check, it will always be part of your taxable income, regardless of your age. There is some variation at the state level, though, so make sure to check the laws for the state where you live.
Arguably the best reason to wait until age 67 to receive Social Security benefits is that you'll probably be able to make more money working. After all, the average Social Security monthly retirement benefit of $1,837 is well below the average monthly income of $4,621.
You can wait until as late as age 70 — something many Americans do, because the longer you wait, the higher your monthly payment. For those who are collecting Social Security at age 65, the average payment in 2022 was about $2,484 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.
Any income you earn beyond the wage cap amount is not subject to a 6.2% Social Security payroll tax. For example, an employee who earns $170,000 in 2023 will pay $9,932.40 in Social Security taxes ($160,200 x 6.2%). For 2024, they will pay $10,453.20 ($168,600 x 6.2%).
The formula used to calculate these benefits takes into account lifetime earnings over 35 years. Social Security benefits replace a larger share of past earnings for low earners. While high earners receive larger benefits, their benefits replace a smaller share of what they had been making.
The amount a person receives in Social Security benefits is not directly affected by their current income or wealth. Therefore, even if someone is a millionaire or billionaire, they can still receive Social Security benefits if they have a qualifying work history.
The maximum Social Security benefit in 2023 is $3,627 at full retirement age. It's $4,555 per month if retiring at age 70 and $2,572 if retiring at age 62. A person's benefit amount depends on earnings, full retirement age and when they take benefits.
Retiring at 62 allows you to simplify your life and lead a satisfying, minimalist lifestyle. For most retirees, their kids have been long out of the house. Once they stop working, they can move into a smaller home that is simpler to keep up with.
The earliest you can start taking Social Security retirement benefits is 62. However, the Social Security Administration reduces benefits by 30% for people who retire at 62, meaning they receive just 70% of their full retirement benefit each month for life.
How many seniors live only on Social Security?
A plurality of older Americans, 40.2 percent, only receive income from Social Security in retirement. Roughly equal numbers of older Americans receive income from defined benefit pensions as from defined contribution plans.
Widow or widower, at full retirement age or older, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, gets between 71% and 99% of the worker's basic benefit amount.
As of 2022, the average monthly benefit amount from Social Security for couples was $2,739.10.
Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.
A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker. Here's how. In order to qualify for a full Social Security benefit, you have to have worked 40 quarters, which equates to 10 years, earning a minimum of at least $1,640 per quarter.
