What’s the average Social Security payment in Dec. 2025? Plus: Changes for 2026

Social Security is a major source of income for more than 74.7 million Americans. How far does the average check actually go?

Most retirees collect about $1,959 a month from Social Security as of December 2025 — or some $23,508 a year — but that check often falls short of covering everyday living costs. It’s a sobering reality ahead of the 2.8% cost of living adjustment announced for 2026 last month.

Yet your actual payout can be higher or lower depending on when you claim and how much you earned. Here’s a breakdown of average Social Security benefits by age and gender, how benefits are calculated and how to make the most of your monthly check — whether you’re claiming now or planning ahead.

⭐️ Must read: 7 big changes coming to Social Security in 2026 (one that could shrink your check)

Social Security reality: What most people get in December 2025?

The average monthly retirement benefit in December is $1,959.22. But average doesn’t mean typical. Some retirees receive far more, while others get much less.

For someone with no other income, this average check might just barely cover the basics. And that’s assuming no major health expenses, caregiving needs or debt payments.

Here’s a quick look at what this benefit might cover based on today’s average expenses:

Why your benefit might be lower (or higher)

Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings — whether consecutive or not — and the age you start claiming.

If you didn’t work a full 35 years or your earnings were consistently low, your check may fall well below the average. On the flip side, if you maxed out your earnings and delay benefits until 70, you could collect more than $1,959.22 per month.

“Your prospective Social Security benefit is only one factor in your retirement financial structure,” says Ronald Waldman, a former SSA administrative law judge and legal expert. “People should focus on the big picture. Consider other factors like personal and household finances, pensions, retirement accounts, investments, debt and expected retirement lifestyle.”

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Who gets what: Social Security benefits by category

Social Security benefits vary widely depending on your age, work history and family situation. While the average retired worker receives $1,959.22 per month, other types of beneficiaries receive more or much less.

Here’s a breakdown of average monthly benefits by category, based on the latest data from the Social Security Administration (SSA):

Why the gender gap matters

Men still receive higher average benefits than women — by about $401.50 per month. That gap adds up to $4,817 per year.

This is largely due to:

• Earnings gaps. Women have historically earned less over their careers, which reduces their average indexed monthly earnings (AIME).

• Career breaks. Time taken off for caregiving or raising children often leads to fewer years of income counted toward Social Security.

• Longer life expectancy. Women tend to live longer, so their benefits must stretch further — often on a smaller monthly check.

Why claiming age matters

If you take benefits at age 62, your full monthly check could be up to 30% smaller than if you had waited until full retirement age (FRA). On the other hand, waiting until 70 can increase your benefit by up to 24% or more than what you’re expected to get at FRA.

Let’s look at how that plays out with the average benefit:

That’s a difference of more than $1,058 a month between the earliest and latest claiming ages.

So while it’s tempting to start collecting early, waiting just a few years could mean thousands more in guaranteed lifetime income, especially if you live into your 80s or 90s.

“When to take Social Security is a very personal decision based on many factors including age, health, family composition and other income sources,” says Waldman. “What may be a perfectly reasonable decision for one person may not work for another person.”

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What’s the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?

While the average Social Security check in December 2025 is $1959.22, the maximum retirement benefit is a whole different story.

If you’ve earned a high income throughout your career and delay claiming until age 70, you could receive up to:

• $5,108 a month

• $61,296 a year

To receive the maximum benefit, you need to check all three of these boxes:

✅ Earn at or above the maximum taxable earnings limit for 35 years (that’s $184,500 in 2026, up from $176,100 in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation)

✅ Work for at least 35 full years

✅ Delay claiming until age 70

That’s a tall order. Most people don’t consistently hit the max earnings cap for 35 years, and many claim earlier out of necessity.

Plus, waiting until 70 only makes sense if you can afford to delay and expect to live long enough to benefit. If you need the money sooner — or have health concerns — claiming earlier might be a better call.

🔍 Read more: 90% of Americans break this Social Security ‘rule’ — here’s why they’re right

What’s changing: Social Security updates for 2026

More than 60 million Americans received an email on July 4 from the Social Security Administration heralding Pres. Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Tax Bill for its “provision that eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for most beneficiaries.” Yet rather than a repeal of taxation on Social Security benefits, the actual details of the bill signed into law on July 5, 2025, introduce a temporary tax deduction for seniors ages 65 and older.

Here’s what you can expect under the new tax bill if you’re 65 or older:

• If you are a single filer with an income of up to $75,000, you can claim a $6,000 tax deduction.

• If you’re married and filing jointly with a combined income of up to $150,000 — and both you and your spouse are over 65 — you can claim a combined $12,000 tax deduction.

• If you earn between $75,000 and $175,000 (or are a couple earning between $150,000 and $250,000 combined), you’re eligible for a smaller tax deduction.

• If you earn more than $175,000 as a single filer or $250,000 as a couple, you are not eligible for the deduction.

The tax deduction is not permanent and is authorized through the 2028 tax year only, unless Congress decides to extend it. And the deduction applies to all income, not only Social Security benefits.

Changes to Social Security earlier in 2025

Two of the most controversial Social Security rules — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) — were repealed in early 2025.

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden in January, officially eliminates WEP and GPO. That means public sector workers like teachers, firefighters and police officers will no longer see their benefits reduced just because they also receive a government pension.

Even better? The repeal is retroactive to January 2024. So if you were affected, you could be in line for back pay. (The SSA began issuing back payments in February 2025.)

🔍 Read more: Big tax changes are coming: 13 rules that may boost your refund — or shrink it

What’s the 2026 Social Security COLA?

Every October, the Social Security Administration announces a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help benefits keep up with inflation.

Despite the government shutdown that delayed the official announcement, the SSA announced on October 24 a 2026 cola of 2.8% — higher than last year’s 2.5% COLA but not enough to cover more than a few grocery runs or utility bills.

It’s also slightly higher than early predictions earlier in the year based on current inflation trends and data from the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League. The final number was locked in after the government reviewed inflation numbers using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W).

What does a 2.8% COLA mean for the average retiree?

If you’re receiving the average monthly benefit of $1,959.22, here’s what a 2.8% bump would look like:

• Monthly increase: $54.86

• New 2026 average benefit: $2,014.08

• Annual increase: $658.32

“The COLA will not be material enough to offset the rising cost of health care, medicine or the overall cost of living, given that prices have increased so much,” says Kevin Thompson, a certified financial planner, retirement income certified specialist and CEO of 9i Capital Group. “Any little bit helps, but this will do very little.”

💡 Pro tip: COLA increases are built into your benefit permanently. So even a small bump can add up over time, especially if you’re drawing benefits for 20 or more years.

🔍 Read more: 2026 Social Security COLA is here — but it won’t be enough for most retirees

3 moves to boost your Social Security benefits

Whether you’re years away from retiring or already collecting benefits, there are smart ways to increase your monthly payout or keep more of it in your pocket.

Here’s how to stretch your benefits further:

• Delay claiming, if you can. Every year you wait past age 62 increases your check. For example, if your full benefit is $2,000 at age 67, waiting until 70 could boost it to $2,480 per month — that’s nearly $6,000 more per year.

• Coordinate with your spouse. If you’re married, you may be able to increase household income through spousal benefits. These benefits allow one spouse to receive up to 50% of the other’s benefit, even if they earned less or didn’t work.

• Don’t forget part-time income limits. If you’re collecting benefits before your full retirement age, make sure any part-time or consulting work doesn’t trigger a reduction. In 2026, the earnings limit is $24,480, up from $23,400 in 2025. If you earn above that, you could lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over the limit. But once you hit full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without reductions.

“Ultimately, it is a guessing game as to whether your lifetime benefits will be greater by collecting benefits early versus delaying them, since one cannot project with certainty their own life expectancy,” says Waldman.

However, Waldman advises that answering these questions can help you decide which route is best for you:

• What other sources of income do you and your family have — for example, pensions, 401(K)s and other investments? Consider whether you need retirement benefits to pay monthly bills, cover travel or pay for health care.

• How is your health, and what is your family history of longevity? Generally, if you are in poorer health and may have a shorter life expectancy, it may suggest taking benefits earlier.

• Are you still working? If you are, SSA can greatly reduce your benefits in certain scenarios if you are working and collecting retirement benefits and you’re under your full retirement age.

🔍 Read more: Married … or divorced? This little-known rule can boost your Social Security check

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FAQs: Social Security and protecting your finances

Learn more about Social Security benefits and what to consider when planning for your retirement. And take a look at our growing library of personal finance guides that can help you save money, earn money and grow your wealth.

What’s the minimum Social Security benefit in 2025?

If you qualify for benefits but earned very little over your career, the special minimum benefit may apply. In 2025, the minimum monthly benefit is $52.10 if you’ve worked and paid into Social Security for at least 11 years, and around $1,093.10 if you’ve paid in at least 30 years.

Those numbers bump up to

Am I required to have Medicare deducted from my Social Security check?

Yes, typically, if you’re enrolled in both Social Security and Medicare. If your check isn’t large enough to cover the Medicare premium, you will be billed for the remaining balance.

Medicare premiums are based on your income and increase as you reach established thresholds for 2025. Learn more about premiums and deductions for Medicare Parts A and B at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ official site.

Can I receive Social Security if I never worked?

You can still receive benefits if you qualify as a spouse, widow or widower of someone who received Social Security. For example, a nonworking spouse may be eligible for up to 50% of their partner’s benefit or 100% if widowed. But you won’t qualify for retirement benefits based on your own record without paying into the system.

How much should I keep in an emergency fund?

Most advice suggests your starter fund should be at least $1,000, but you may consider a fund that’s half of your monthly expenses. If you’re gainfully employed — especially if you’re the main breadwinner for the family — the rule of thumb is three to six months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund that can keep your finances afloat after a job loss. Learn more about how to maintain your rainy-day reserves in our guide to building an emergency fund on any budget.

How often does Social Security get deposited?

Retirement benefits are paid monthly, and the exact date depends on your birthday. Payments are typically sent on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. You can check your specific deposit schedule in your my Social Security account.

Where can I get help in retirement?

Look into these helpful resources that can help you navigate challenges in retirement:

• Local senior assistance programs. Many communities support programs specifically designed to assist low-income seniors, and each state has its own office or agency for the aging. To find these programs, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

• Benefits Checkup tool. The NCOA offers an online benefits tool that can connect you with programs to help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities and more. Just enter your ZIP code to get started.

• Government resources. Federal and state programs offer financial assistance for seniors, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can help with basic living costs.

• Volunteers of America. Among the nation’s largest human-service organizations, Volunteers of America provides a wide range of services for the elderly, such as meal programs, transportation, help with Medicare enrollment, nursing care and affordable housing.

• 2-1-1 hotline. This FCC-supported hotline is your three digits for information and social services that can help with food, finances, transportation and other necessary support through more than 200 local organizations, including United Way, Goodwill and community action partnerships. Simply dial 2-1-1 for help or search for help by ZIP code.

Sources

• Monthly Statistical Snapshot, Social Security Administration. Accessed December 5, 2025.

• Average Rent in the U.S., RentCafe. Accessed December 5, 2025..

• Official USDA Thrifty Food Plan: U.S. Average, November 2025 [PDF], USDA. Accessed December 5, 2025.

• 2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 10, 2025.

• Average Monthly Cost of Utilities, Move.org. Accessed December 5, 2025.

• Household Spending on Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Accessed December 5, 2025.

• Annual Statistical Supplement, 2025, Social Security Administration. Accessed December 5, 2025.

About the writer

Cassidy Horton is a finance writer who specializes in banking, insurance, lending and paying down debt. Her expertise has been featured in NerdWallet, Forbes, MarketWatch, CNN, USA Today, Money, The Balance and Consumer Affairs, among other top financial publications. Cassidy first became interested in personal finance after paying off $18,000 in debt in 10 months of graduation with an MBA. Today, she’s committed to empowering people to stand up and take charge of their financial futures.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner

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