When it comes to using data, averages play a role in planning and forecasting for the future. Knowing the average monthly Social Security benefit can help you get a better picture of how much income you can expect in retirement and possibly motivate you to crunch the numbers to get even more clarity.
In May 2025, the average Social Security monthly check for retired workers was $2,002.39, an increase of $2.42 over March's average amount of $1,999.97, according to the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Monthly Statistical Snapshot. This is the first time the average retiree's monthly benefit was over $2,000.
If you are interested in learning more about the breakdown of Social Security payments, read: The Average Social Security Check by Age and Average Social Security Check by State: How Does Yours Compare? to see how payments vary compared to your benefits.
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Average Social Security check for May 2025
Social Security is a critical part of retirement income. While there is a minimum and maximum benefit, your monthly check reflects several variables. The Social Security check you receive each month is a reflection of your lifetime earnings, the age at which you start claiming benefits, whether the benefits are based on your work history, and the number of years you worked. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to calculate benefits based on your 35 highest-earning years.
The spousal benefits you can collect are smaller than if you had filed based on your work history. The spousal benefit is typically calculated as a percentage of your spouse's benefit, ranging from 32.5% to 50%, depending on the age at which you make your claim. Spousal benefits are capped at a maximum of 50% of a spouse’s benefit at full retirement age (FRA) and can't be topped up with delayed retirement credits.
The complexity of benefits calculations means it can be challenging to determine what your exact Social Security payments might be when you decide to apply. Still, it's possible to produce a reasonable estimate.
Let's take a look at the average May check received by retired workers and the spouses and children of retired workers.
Type of beneficiary | Number of beneficiaries | Average monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|
All Retirement beneficiaries | 55.5 million | $1,950.27 |
Retired workers | 52.8 million | $2,002.39 |
Spouses of retired workers | 1.995 million | $950.20 |
Children of retired workers | 739,000 | $925.14 |
Type of beneficiary | Number of beneficiaries | Average monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|
For April 2025: | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
All Retirement beneficiaries | 55.3 million | $1,948.17 |
Retired workers | 52.6 million | $1,999.97 |
Spouses of retired workers | 1.97 million | $948.38 |
Children of retired workers | 734,000 | $924.65 |
For March 2025: | Row 5 - Cell 2 | |
All Retirement beneficiaries | 55.1 million | $1,945.66 |
Retired workers | 52.4 million | $1,997.13 |
Spouses of retired workers | 1.95 million | $946.65 |
Children of retired workers | 729,000 | $923.34 |
For February 2025: | Number of beneficiaries | Average monthly benefit |
All Retirement beneficiaries | 54.7 million | $1,931.20 |
Retired workers | 52.1 million | $1,980.86 |
Spouses of retired workers | 1.86 million | $932.06 |
Children of retired workers | 722,000 | $919.42 |
For January 2025: | Number of beneficiaries | Average monthly benefit |
All Retirement beneficiaries | 54.5 million | $1,929.20 |
Retired workers | 51.9 million | $1,978.77 |
Spouses of retired workers | 1.8 million | $931.28 |
Children of retired workers | 717,000 | $919.02 |
What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
Collecting the maximum Social Security benefit is similar to getting the gas mileage you see on the showroom sticker — it's a reflection of perfect conditions. To get the maximum benefit: work at least 35 years, earn the maximum taxable amount, and wait to apply for benefits until 70. Don't be discouraged if your estimated benefit is lower, as most people aren't collecting anything close to the maximum. Comparing the maximum amount available in 2025 to the average check for May 2025 illustrates that reality.
Retirement age | Maximum monthly benefit | Impact of age on benefit |
|---|---|---|
62 | $2,831 | Reduced benefit of 70.8%, a loss of 29.2%. |
66 years and 10 months | $4,018 | Full benefit, no reduction and no increase w/o delayed retirement credits |
70 | $5,108 | Increased benefits collecting 130.7%, an increase of 30.7%. |
Social Security is just one slice of the retirement pie
Social Security benefits are far more modest than many people realize. Social Security was designed to replace around 40% of your pre-retirement earnings. It's important to recognize that Social Security benefits are just one part of a retirement plan. You should try to supplement your benefits with a 401(k), IRA, or other investments.
To get an idea of how your full retirement portfolio compares to other savers, read:
The Average 401(k) Balance by Age, and
The Average IRA Balance by Age.
If you are concerned about having enough savings for your golden years, consider working with a financial adviser or registered Social Security analyst for retirement planning.
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