As of June 2025, the typical monthly Social Security retirement check is $1,950.27. That comes out to almost $23,400 a year, according to SSA figures. Although that’s an overall average, your own payment can be lower or higher based on a number of individual factors.
Learning about the June 2025 Average
The $1,950.27 average check isn’t necessarily a representative amount. Some retirees receive much more; others, less. If this is your only income source, it might hardly be enough to cover basic living costs. A two-bedroom apartment rent, for example, costs on average $1,356, which would leave barely under $600 for anything else.
Why Payouts Vary So Much
Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and when you decide to start collecting. If you didn’t work a full 35 years, or if your earnings were on the lower side, your monthly check might be well below average.
Waiting longer to claim can significantly increase your payout. For example:
- Claim at 62: ~$1,365
- Claim at 67: $1,950
- Claim at 70: ~$2,418
That’s a gap of more than $1,000 a month, money that adds up quickly over the years.
A Peek at Average Benefits by Group
Here’s the breakdown of benefits across categories:
- Men retired workers: $2,193.54
- Women retired workers: $1,739.16
- Spouses of retirees: $950.20
- Children of retirees: $925.14
- Nondisabled widows: $1,863.71
- Disabled workers: $1,581.97
The gap between the sexes is wide. On average, women get $454 a month less than men or $5,400 less a year. This is mainly because of career interruptions and fewer lifetime earnings.
2026 Social Security Changes on the Horizon
One big shift went into effect in the beginning of 2025: the Social Security Fairness Act. The act dismantled the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Thanks to this, public servants such as teachers and police officers have no longer risk benefits being cut if they also get a pension.
The change affects January 2024. Some beneficiaries already receive retroactive payments that started phasing in during February 2025.
Projected COLA for 2026
The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was 2.5%, or an additional $50 per month. Early estimates project a 2.4% increase for 2026.
If that’s the case, the new average benefit would be approximately $1,996.80 per month, or $561.60 annually. While small, COLA increases are there to stay, so even small increments pay off in the long run.
Maximum vs. Minimum Benefits
The highest monthly check for those who wait to claim at age 70 and worked at or above the taxable threshold for 35 years will be $5,108 in 2025 which is close to $61,296 annually.
In contrast, the lowest monthly payment is only $52.10 if you contributed just 11 years and paid into the system. That increases to approximately $1,093.10 for 30 years of contributions.
How to Maximize Your Check
- Postpone receiving: Every year after age 62 increases your benefit.
- Sync with a spouse: You can get spousal benefits up to 50% of your spouse’s.
- Monitor income limits: If you’re under the full retirement age and make more than $23,400 in 2025, your benefits could be cut.
Also read: Social Security Payment Arriving June 11, 2025: Check Your Eligibility and Amount
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to claiming Social Security when and how. Health, longevity in family members, other retirement sources of income, and individual needs come into play. But knowing the average benefit, future changes, and planning techniques will make you a wiser shopper for your retirement.
All in all, this average salary changes is likely to have the impact of social security beneficiaries, hence staying aware of it is mandatory.
