If you’re planning for retirement or already receiving Social Security benefits, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely: “How much will I actually get each month?” While Social Security acts as a financial lifeline for millions of Americans, the average monthly check varies quite a bit depending on your specific category — whether you’re retired, disabled, or a survivor.
As of June 2025, the average Social Security check is $1,860.64 per month. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Retired workers, for example, typically receive more than the average, while spouses or children of retired or deceased workers receive less.
Let’s break down the latest Social Security payment figures, what influences them, how they grow over time, and the maximum benefit you can earn.
Average Social Security Payment by Recipient Type
Most people associate Social Security with retirees — but it supports several different groups:
- Retired workers
- Surviving spouses and children
- Disabled individuals
- Spouses and dependents of deceased or retired workers
Here’s a snapshot of how much each group gets and how they make up the overall Social Security system:
| Recipient Category | % of Total Payouts | Average Monthly Check |
|---|---|---|
| All Recipients | 100% | $1,860.64 |
| Retired Workers | 75.9% | $2,005.05 |
| Survivor Benefits (Total) | 8.4% | — |
| Non-disabled Widows/Widowers | 5.0% | $1,863.18 |
| Disability Insurance (Total) | 11.7% | — |
| Disabled Workers | 10.2% | $1,582.07 |
| Spouses/Children of Retirees | — | $924.87 – $953.33 |
As you can see, retirement benefits make up nearly 80% of all payouts, with retired workers receiving the highest average check. Survivors and disabled workers also receive significant support, though the amounts are typically lower.
How Social Security Payments Grow Over Time
To keep up with inflation, Social Security includes an annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This ensures that your purchasing power doesn’t shrink as prices rise over the years.
Here’s how COLA has adjusted benefits in recent years:
| Year | COLA Increase |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.5% |
| 2024 | 3.2% |
| 2023 | 8.7% |
| 2022 | 5.9% |
| 2021 | 1.3% |
| 2020 | 1.6% |
Let’s say your benefit was $1,000 in 2015 — by 2025, that would’ve increased to about $1,318.03 through COLA alone.
What’s the Maximum Monthly Benefit in 2025?
The highest possible monthly benefit you can receive from Social Security depends on:
- Your earnings history
- The age you start collecting
- Annual COLA increases
For 2025, here’s the maximum initial monthly benefit based on retirement age:
- At age 62: $2,831
- At full retirement age (66–67): $4,018
- At age 70: $5,108
These figures assume you earned the maximum taxable amount every year from age 22. For 2025, the maximum taxable income is $176,100.
When Should You Claim Your Benefits?
You can claim Social Security as early as age 62, provided you’ve worked and paid into the system for at least 10 years. However, claiming early comes with a reduced monthly payout. Waiting until full retirement age or even age 70 significantly boosts your monthly benefit.
Deciding when to claim your benefit is a critical financial decision, and many experts suggest speaking with a financial advisor to find the best strategy for your situation.
Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?
Yes — but not always. Depending on your total income, some or none of your Social Security check might be taxed. With the right planning, many retirees can reduce or avoid taxes on their benefits legally.
Social Security remains a vital part of retirement planning for millions of Americans. While the average check in June 2025 is around $1,860, your actual benefit can vary widely based on your work history, age, and family circumstances. Over time, benefits do increase thanks to COLA — but strategic planning is still key to getting the most out of the system.
