Social Security in the United States administers financial benefits for retirees, people with disabilities, and vulnerable groups. The main programs include retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The maximum monthly amounts for 2025 vary depending on the age at which benefits begin. At age 62, the limit is $2,831. Those starting at age 66 can receive up to $3,795. The cap reaches $4,043 at age 67 and $5,108 at age 70. These figures represent the maximum possible payments, not exactly what you should expect, regarding your personal situation.
Is it realistic to think about the maximum Social Security?
While there’s no exact official figure for 2025, it’s estimated that between 1% and 4% (depending on the state of residence) will access the maximum amount of Social Security. This means that the vast majority can aim to get closer to the average.
Now, the average retirement payment also changes based on retirees’ retirement age in 2025. The actual averages reflect differences in work history. Beneficiaries aged 62 and over receive an average of $1,311.44 per month.
The amount increases gradually:
- $1,344.04 at age 63.
- $1,436.19 at age 64.
- $1,583.32 at age 65.
- Between ages 66 and 70, the averages range from $1,774.06 to $2,067.92.
To qualify for retirement benefits, a minimum work history of 10 years (40 quarters of contributions) is required. The minimum eligibility age is 62, although receiving benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA) permanently reduces the amount. The FRA is 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959, and 67 years for those born in 1960 or later.
How to boost your Social Security benefits
Working for at least 35 years allows you to exclude periods of low income from the calculation. Reaching the annual taxable limit ($176,100 in 2025) during those years maximizes the base benefit. Delaying the start date beyond the FRA generates increases of 8% per year until age 70.
Those who work while receiving benefits before bface restrictions. In 2025, exceeding $23,400 in annual earnings triggers partial benefit withholding. The system replaces approximately 40% of pre-retirement income, according to the SSA.
The SSDI and SSI programs have different requirements. SSDI requires recent work history and medical certification of disability. SSI serves people with disabilities or those over 65 with limited resources, and does not require a tax history. Both programs adjust annual amounts for inflation.
Social Security payment dates (who claimed after May 1997)
In June 2025, Social Security retirement payments in the United States will be distributed on three separate Wednesdays, following the usual pattern based on the beneficiary’s birthdate.
For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month, payment is made on Wednesday, June 11. Those born between the 11th and 20th receive their payment on Wednesday, June 18.
Finally, beneficiaries born between June 21 and 31 receive their payment on Wednesday, June 25. This adjusted schedule ensures that payments are made on time, even when they fall on holidays or weekends.