Sanela
Social Security serves as a crucial income source for over 74.5 million Americans, yet the typical monthly benefit often falls short of covering basic expenses.
As of September 2025, the average monthly benefit stands at $1,955.48, which equates to about $23,465 annually.
However, this amount barely keeps up with essential living costs, especially ahead of the modest 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) projected for 2026.
Average Social Security Benefits in September 2025
While the average benefit is $1,955.48, this figure can be misleading. Some retirees receive far more, while others get much less.
For someone relying solely on Social Security, this benefit may only cover the basics, excluding any large medical bills or debt.
Breakdown of average expenses vs. benefit
| Expense Category | National Average Cost | Covered by $1,955.48? |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom apartment) | $1,755 | Barely, with $200.50 left |
| Groceries (per person) | $275 | With $1,680.50 left |
| Medicare Part B Premium | $185 | With $1,770.50 left |
| Utilities | $583 | With $1,372.50 left |
| Transportation | $1,098 | Barely, with $857.50 left |
Why Your Benefit Might Differ
Your Social Security benefit depends on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age you begin claiming.
- If you worked fewer than 35 years or earned low wages, your benefit may fall below average.
- If you had consistently high earnings and delay claiming until 70, you can collect much more than $1,955.48 monthly.
“Your Social Security benefit is just one piece of your retirement puzzle,” says Ronald Waldman, former SSA judge. “Consider your pensions, savings, investments, debt, and lifestyle needs.”
Benefits by Category and Gender
Social Security benefits vary based on category, age, and gender. Here’s a breakdown from the latest SSA data:
| Beneficiary Type | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Retired workers | $2,008.31 |
| Men (retired) | $2,193.54 |
| Women (retired) | $1,739.16 |
| Spouses of retired workers | $954.93 |
| Children of retired workers | $924.95 |
| Nondisabled widows | $1,865.74 |
| Widows with disabilities | $954.35 |
| Disabled workers | $1,582.95 |
| Spouses of disabled workers | $445.71 |
| Children of disabled workers | $509.70 |
The Gender Gap in Benefits
Men receive $454 more per month than women on average — about $5,400 annually.
This gap is largely due to:
- Earnings gaps – Women historically earn less.
- Career breaks – Time off for caregiving reduces total years counted.
- Longevity – Women live longer, so their smaller checks must stretch further.
Claiming Age and Its Impact
Your claiming age dramatically affects your monthly payout:
| Claiming Age | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | ~$1,369 |
| 67 | $1,955.48 |
| 70 | ~$2,425 |
Delaying benefits until age 70 can increase your payout by over $1,055 a month compared to claiming at 62. This strategy works well for those expecting to live into their 80s or 90s.
Maximum Social Security Benefit in 2025
The maximum possible benefit at age 70 is $5,108 per month ($61,296 annually). To qualify, you must:
- Earn at or above the taxable earnings cap ($176,100 in 2025) for 35 years
- Have 35 full working years
- Delay claiming until age 70
This is difficult to achieve and only suitable if you can afford to delay benefits and expect a long retirement.
Major Social Security Changes in 2025–2026
Temporary Tax Deduction for Seniors
A new tax bill signed on July 5, 2025, offers deductions for seniors 65+ until 2028:
- Single filers earning ≤ $75,000: $6,000 deduction
- Married couples earning ≤ $150,000: $12,000 combined deduction
- Reduced deductions for singles earning $75,000–$175,000 or couples earning $150,000–$250,000
- No deduction above those income thresholds
Repeal of WEP and GPO
The Social Security Fairness Act (January 2025) eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), retroactive to January 2024. This change benefits public sector workers, with back payments issued starting February 2025.
Projected COLA for 2026
The 2025 COLA was 2.5%, adding about $50 to monthly checks. Early forecasts for 2026 also suggest 2.5%, which would mean:
- Monthly increase: $48.88
- New benefit: $2,004.36
- Annual increase: $586.56
Even small COLA increases compound over time and remain part of your permanent benefit.
Smart Moves to Boost Your Benefits
- Delay claiming: Waiting past 62 raises your monthly benefit. Waiting until 70 can add ~24% more.
- Coordinate with your spouse: Spousal benefits can increase household income.
- Watch earnings limits: In 2025, earning over $23,400 before FRA can reduce your benefits temporarily.
“Deciding when to claim Social Security depends on age, health, income sources, and personal circumstances,” Waldman emphasizes.
Social Security is essential, yet often insufficient on its own. Understanding how claiming age, earnings history, and new rules affect your benefit can help you maximize your monthly income and prepare for a more secure retirement.
With the recent repeal of WEP/GPO, temporary tax deductions, and upcoming COLA increases, staying informed is key to getting the most out of your benefits.
FAQs
The average monthly benefit is $1,955.48, but individual payments vary based on earnings history and claiming age.
If you delay claiming until age 70 and had high earnings for 35 years, you could receive $5,108 per month.
The projected COLA is 2.5%, which would raise the average benefit to around $2,004.36 per month.