
What Is the Average Monthly Social Security Check?
Quick Answer
The average Social Security check for retired workers is $2,002.39. However, your monthly payment may vary depending on your earning history and when you start claiming benefits.

The average monthly Social Security check is $2,002.39, according to May 2025 data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Depending on your situation, however, you may receive more or less than that.
If you're nearing or have already entered retirement, here's what to know about what to expect from Social Security payments and how to calculate your benefit.
What Is the Average Monthly Social Security Check?
On average, retired workers receive $2,002.39 in monthly Social Security benefits. For spouses and children of retired workers, the average monthly payments are $950.20 and $925.14, respectively.
What you receive, however, will be based on a few factors, including:
- Earning history: The SSA uses your 35 highest-earning, inflation-adjusted years to calculate your benefit. Keep in mind, though, that Social Security won't replace your employment income, especially if you were a high earner. While very low income earners may be able to replace up to 79% of their income, it's as low as 28% for high earners.
- When you claim: You can claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you'll receive a reduced benefit unless you wait until full retirement age, which is currently 67. You can even wait longer to start claiming benefits—up until age 70—to maximize your monthly check.
- Birth year: While full retirement age is currently 67, it's slightly lower for people born before 1960. You can check out the SSA's full retirement age chart to find out when you can start claiming full benefits.
Learn more: How Do Social Security Credits Work?
Average Monthly Social Security Check by Age
Claiming your Social Security benefit as soon as you're eligible may be tempting, but your check will be reduced by 25% to 30% of your full benefit, depending on when you were born. Here's a look at the average monthly benefit by age, according to the 2023 data from the SSA:
Age | Average Monthly Social Security Check |
---|---|
62 | $1,298.26 |
63 | $1,338.65 |
64 | $1,459.73 |
65 | $1,563.06 |
66 | $1,739.92 |
67 | $1,883.50 |
68 | $1,948.37 |
69 | $1,945.18 |
70 | $2,037.54 |
75 | $2,012.14 |
80 | $1,940.24 |
85 | $1,864.04 |
90 | $1,767.46 |
Source: Social Security Administration
Learn more: Retirement Planning Guide
What Is the Maximum Social Security Benefit?
In 2025, the maximum monthly check you can receive depends on when you retire and start claiming benefits.
If you retire at age 62, for instance, the most you can receive is $2,831. At age 67, that maximum goes up to $4,018, and if you retire at age 70, the most you can get is $5,108 per month.
Learn more: Is Social Security Income Taxable?
When to Take Social Security
Deciding when to start collecting Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you'll make. The right time depends on your health, finances and future plans. Here's what to consider to decide for yourself:
- Health: If you're in good health and have a family history of longevity, delaying benefits could increase your total lifetime payout. On the other hand, if you have chronic health conditions or a shorter expected lifespan, claiming earlier may be more beneficial.
- Income needs: If you need the income to cover essential expenses, claiming sooner might be necessary, even if it means a smaller check. However, if you can rely on other income sources like a pension, 401(k) or part-time work, you may be able to delay and lock in a larger benefit.
- Work plans: Taking Social Security before full retirement age while still working can reduce your benefits if your income exceeds certain limits. Waiting until you stop working or reach full retirement age avoids the earnings penalty.
- Marital status: For couples, coordinating when each spouse claims can maximize survivor and spousal benefits. Sometimes, one spouse delays while the other claims early.
- Long-term goals: Delaying benefits may offer a form of inflation-protected income that can be especially valuable in your later years. But if you prefer access to funds earlier for travel, helping family or personal goals, starting benefits sooner might make sense.
How to Calculate Your Monthly Social Security Benefit
The best way to get an estimate of what your benefits will look like when you retire is to create a my Social Security account.
The service can give you a personalized estimate of your expected monthly benefits based on your earnings history, and it can also give you an estimate of your spouse's benefits.
But if you don't want to go through the registration process or just need a quick estimate, you can use the federal agency's Social Security quick calculator. You'll need the following information:
- Date of birth
- Earnings for the current year (or the last year in which you earned an income)
- Expected retirement age (month and year)
You can decide whether you want to see your estimate in today's dollars or inflated future dollars.
Learn more: How Much Social Security Will I Get in Retirement?
The Bottom Line
Social Security benefits play an essential role in retirement planning, but the average monthly check is just one piece of the puzzle. Your actual benefit depends on your work history, when you were born and when you start claiming.
Taking the time to understand how your benefit is calculated—and when it makes the most sense to begin claiming—can help you make smarter, more confident decisions about your retirement.
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About the author
Ben Luthi has worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance, and writes about all aspects of money. His work has appeared in Time, Success, USA Today, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Wirecutter and more.
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