Understanding how much you can expect from Social Security is crucial when planning for retirement. The amount varies based on your earnings history, the age at which you start claiming benefits, and whether you qualify for spousal or survivor benefits. In 2025, the average and maximum Social Security payouts offer key insights for anyone nearing or planning their retirement.
Average Social Security Check at Age 67 in 2025
As of May 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers was $2,002.39. This reflects a modest 1% increase from the previous year, largely influenced by cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on inflation data.
Age 67 is considered full retirement age (FRA) for those born in 1960 or later. Retiring at this age means you’re receiving 100% of your entitled benefits, as calculated by your lifetime earnings and Social Security contribution history.
Maximum Social Security Benefit by Retirement Age in 2025
The Social Security Administration sets a cap on how much a retiree can receive monthly. This maximum varies by the age at which you begin collecting:
| Retirement Age | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Age 62 | $2,710 |
| Age 66–67 (FRA) | $3,822 |
| Age 70 | $4,897 |
These numbers assume the worker earned at or above the Social Security taxable maximum for at least 35 years. The significant difference between retiring early at 62 and delaying until 70 shows the financial benefit of waiting, if possible.
How Age Affects Your Benefit Amount
Social Security benefits are permanently reduced if claimed before full retirement age. For example, someone who starts collecting at age 62 receives about 70% of their full benefit. On the other hand, delaying benefits until age 70 results in delayed retirement credits, increasing your payment by up to 8% per year beyond full retirement age.
Here’s a simplified view of how claiming age affects benefit amounts:
| Claiming Age | Percentage of Full Benefit Received |
|---|---|
| 62 | ~70% |
| 66–67 (FRA) | 100% |
| 70 | ~124% |
Factors That Impact Your Social Security Benefit
Several elements can influence your benefit amount:
- Lifetime Earnings: Social Security uses your top 35 earning years to calculate benefits.
- Work History: Fewer than 35 years of work results in zero-income years factored in, lowering your benefit.
- Filing Status: Spousal and survivor benefits can supplement or replace your individual benefits.
- Inflation Adjustments: Annual COLAs help protect purchasing power over time.
Should You Delay Social Security?
While not everyone can afford to delay retirement, those who can may benefit substantially. For instance, waiting from age 62 to 70 increases the maximum benefit by $2,187 monthly in 2025—a difference of over $26,000 annually.
However, factors like health, life expectancy, and financial needs must be considered. Claiming early might be a better choice for those with shorter life expectancies or pressing income needs.
Planning when to claim Social Security is a personal decision with long-term implications. In 2025, the average monthly benefit at age 67 sits just above $2,000, but the maximum benefit can be significantly higher if delayed until age 70. Understanding these figures helps retirees make informed decisions to secure a stable financial future.
FAQs
What is the average Social Security check in 2025?
As of May 2025, it’s $2,002.39 for retired workers.
What is full retirement age for Social Security?
For those born in 1960 or later, it is age 67.
Can you get more than $4,000 a month from Social Security?
Yes, if you retire at 70 in 2025, the max benefit can reach $4,897.