Social Security's max $5,108 benefit is hard to get. Here's what to focus on instead.
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit Social Security will pay is $5,108. To be clear, though, that's higher than the program's maximum benefit at full retirement age this year. Those looking at $5,108 a month in Social Security need to delay their claims until the age of 70 to lock in payments that high.
How To Sign Up for a My Social Security Account and Estimate Retirement Benefits
To see all of your Social Security benefits, you need to sign up for a My Social Security account. Note that if you've already signed up for a login.gov or ID.me account, you can skip the following steps and just sign into your account. If you've never signed up for either of these services before, here's what you need to do.
The Average Benefit of Social Security's Oldest Recipients Might Surprise You
Since average earnings tend to rise over time, you'd expect to see younger workers -- those with higher average monthly earnings -- receive larger checks. And we do see this to some extent. A 70-year-old claimer took home an average of about $2,037.54 in December 2023.
3 types of people who should claim Social Security at 62
Claiming Social Security at 62 is popular strategy because it gives recipients the most checks. At the same time, it reduces the size by up to 30%.
Americans Want to Increase Social Security Benefits for 2 Groups
A new proposal could boost Social Security benefits for caregivers and older workers in physically demanding jobs.
I claimed Social Security at age 62 and am filled with regret – can I change my mind?
Here's the Average Social Security Benefit at Every Possible Claiming Age
One of the biggest Social Security decisions you'll have to make is when to sign up for benefits. Many choose to apply as soon as they're eligible, so they can get the most checks. But this isn't always the wisest move.
Divorced? How to Claim Social Security Benefits on Your Ex’s Record
Typically, people become eligible for Social Security by working and paying into the program. But that’s not the only path to collecting Social Security in retirement. Even if you never worked, you may be entitled to spousal benefits from Social Security.
Donald Trump Gets Bad News About His Social Security Taxes Plan
President Trump's plan to cut Social Security taxes has raised concerns over its potential financial impact on the Social ...
Elon Musk turns his sights to Social Security. Could he cut it?
Read: Worried about Elon Musk and ‘DOGE’ getting your Social Security number? Here’s how to protect yourself. At least Trump ...
President Trump Unleashed Elon Musk to Cut $2 Trillion From the Federal Budget. Could Social Security and Medicare Cuts Be on the Way?
The latest cover of Time magazine shows Elon Musk sitting at the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office with the U.S. flag ...
Social Security Update: Up to $5,108 to Be Paid This Week
For retirees who claim benefits at Full Retirement Age—currently set at 67—the maximum monthly payment is $4,018. If you choose to start benefits at the earliest eligible age of 62, the maximum amount ...
3 Ways Social Security COLA Will Affect Your 2025 Earnings
Social Security recipients saw their monthly check grow by 2.5% in 2025 thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) designed ...
Social Security 5.9% COLA Increase Is Biggest In Nearly 40 Years
If you rely on Social Security payments, you’re receiving a much-needed raise. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is increasing benefits by 5.9%, the largest increase in 40 years.
Marketplace1d
How families, and not just retirees, depend on Social Security
Social Security is helping more than just older adults as more children start to live with their grandparents.
First round of February Social Security payments goes out in one day
The first round of February’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age ...