To reach the maximum Social Security payout you generally need to earn at or above the program's taxable wage cap for 35 years so those top wages count in your benefit formula; that lifetime pattern is what separates maximum beneficiaries from typical retirees.

Getting a handle on the average Social Security check by age can help you fine-tune your retirement plans. As of July 2025, almost 56 million retired workers and family members received monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), totaling $109.3 billion.

New Social Security rules could mean you get more—or less—in each benefit check next year. Here’s how to calculate the amount.

While it's impossible to know the exact amount, there is a lot of publicly available information about Social Security. Here's the maximum Social Security benefit at ages 62, 67, and 70.

In 2026, Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% for 75 million recipients, reflecting inflation. The maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax will rise to $184,500. Notifications will begin in December 2025,

The Social Security Administration will continue distributing disability and SSI payments, but some services are unavailable during the government shutdown.

Once the trust fund falls to zero, Social Security is only legally allowed to pay out as much in benefits as it brings in. The actuarial team estimates that will be about 77% of benefits due in 2033, and it'll likely fall slightly through the end of the century.

Some married couples can maximize Social Security benefits when the lower-earning spouse files for benefits first, even before their full retirement age.