What’s the average Social Security payment for June 2025? Plus: Changes for 2026
Social Security is a lifeline for nearly 73 million Americans, but how much support does it truly offer? With rising living costs and varied financial needs, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit may not go as far as many expect.
The Average Social Security Benefit in 2025
As of June 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1,950.27, totaling approximately $23,400 annually, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, this figure is just an average — some retirees receive more, others less — depending on their work history and when they begin claiming benefits.
For those without additional income, this amount might just cover basic necessities, assuming no major health issues, debts, or caregiving responsibilities.
What the Average Check Covers
Let’s take a look at how the average $1,950.27 benefit stacks up against common monthly expenses based on national averages:
| Expense Category | Average Cost | Covered by $1,950? | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom apartment) | $1,356 | ✅ Barely | $594 |
| Groceries (per person) | $275 | ✅ | $1,675 |
| Medicare Part B Premium | $185 | ✅ | $1,765 |
| Utilities | $164 | ✅ | $1,786 |
| Transportation | $1,098 | ✅ Barely | $852 |
Source: Statista, USDA, CMS, BTS
While the average benefit can cover many essential expenses, there’s little room left for emergencies, savings, or luxuries.
Why Your Benefit May Differ
Social Security benefits are calculated using a formula that considers your highest 35 years of earnings and the age at which you begin collecting.
Factors That Reduce Benefits:
- Fewer than 35 years of work
- Lower lifetime earnings
- Early retirement (claiming before full retirement age)
Factors That Increase Benefits:
- Higher lifetime income
- Delayed retirement (claiming after full retirement age)
According to Ronald Waldman, a former SSA administrative law judge, “Your prospective Social Security benefit is only one factor in your retirement financial structure. People should focus on the big picture,” including savings, pensions, debt, and lifestyle.
Average Monthly Benefits by Category
Social Security benefits vary widely across demographics. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly amounts received in 2025:
| Beneficiary Type | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Retired Workers | $2,002.39 |
| Men (Retired) | $2,193.54 |
| Women (Retired) | $1,739.16 |
| Spouses of Retired Workers | $950.20 |
| Children of Retired Workers | $925.14 |
| Nondisabled Widows | $1,863.71 |
| Disabled Widows | $953.73 |
| Disabled Workers | $1,581.97 |
| Spouses of Disabled Workers | $440.46 |
| Children of Disabled Workers | $512.13 |
Source: Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Gender Gap in Social Security
Men tend to receive $454 more per month than women, a difference that totals over $5,400 annually. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Lower historical earnings for women
- More frequent career breaks for caregiving
- Longer life expectancy requiring longer benefit spans
This financial gap highlights the importance of careful retirement planning, especially for women who are more likely to outlive their male counterparts but with smaller monthly checks.
Understanding the AIME and PIA
Your Social Security benefit is largely determined by two key metrics:
- AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings): This is the inflation-adjusted average of your top 35 earning years.
- PIA (Primary Insurance Amount): This is the benefit you’d receive if you claim at your full retirement age (FRA).
The SSA uses a specific formula involving your AIME to calculate your PIA, which forms the base for your monthly benefit.
How Claiming Age Impacts Your Check
When you start claiming benefits significantly affects how much you receive:
| Claiming Age | Estimated Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Age 62 | $1,365.19 (about 30% less) |
| Age 67 (FRA) | $1,950.27 (baseline) |
| Age 70 | $2,418.33 (about 24% more) |
That’s a difference of over $1,050 per month between the earliest and latest claiming options. If you expect to live into your 80s or 90s, delaying your benefit could result in thousands more in lifetime income.
Timing Your Claim: A Personal Decision
“When to take Social Security is a very personal decision,” says Waldman. “It depends on age, health, family composition, and other income sources. What works for one person may not work for another.”
Some may need early income due to health or unemployment, while others may benefit from waiting to maximize their lifetime earnings.
Making the Most of Your Benefits
Whether you’re already receiving Social Security or planning for retirement, consider these tips:
- Work at least 35 years to avoid having low-income or zero-income years pull down your average.
- Delay claiming if possible, especially if you’re in good health and have other financial resources.
- Coordinate with your spouse to optimize joint benefits, especially survivor benefits.
- Consult a financial planner to build a retirement strategy that includes Social Security, pensions, savings, and investments.