Retirement Social Security

Here's the Average Social Security Benefit of 63-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

A look at what Americans typically receive from Social Security at age 63.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Feb. 16, 2026

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Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most important financial choices Americans make in their early 60s. Claim too early, and your monthly checks are permanently smaller. Wait longer, and benefits can grow — but that often requires other income sources in the meantime.

Understanding what the average 63-year-old receives can help put your own situation into perspective before you make money moves that affect your long-term retirement income. Here's what the latest data shows.

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The average Social Security check for 63-year-olds

According to the most recent data available in the Social Security Administration's Annual Statistical Supplement 2024, the average Social Security benefit for 63-year-old retired workers is $1,338.65.

However, the average benefit varies significantly between men and women. For example, the average 63-year-old man receives a benefit amount of $1,481.40. Meanwhile, the average 63-year-old woman receives a benefit amount of $1,206.54.

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What is the average Social Security check overall?

According to the Social Security Administration, the estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit as of January 2026 is $2,071.

The reason the overall average is so much higher than the amount paid to many 63-year-olds comes down to timing. Social Security allows workers to claim benefits as early as age 62, but doing so permanently reduces monthly payments. Because full retirement age (FRA) is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, most people in their early 60s are receiving reduced checks compared with those who wait longer.

How many people claim Social Security?

As of January 2026, roughly 75 million Americans receive some form of Social Security benefits.

That figure includes retired workers, disabled workers, spouses, survivors, and dependent beneficiaries. Retired workers make up the largest share of recipients, accounting for more than two-thirds of total beneficiaries. As more Americans reach retirement age each year, the program continues to play a central role in household income planning.

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What is the maximum Social Security benefit?

Social Security retirement benefits are based on lifetime earnings, claiming age, and the year benefits begin. The highest possible benefit only applies to workers who earned the taxable maximum for decades and claim at specific ages.

For someone retiring in 2026, the maximum monthly benefit would be $4,152 if claimed at FRA. Claiming as early as age 62 reduces that maximum to $2,969 per month. Waiting until age 70 increases the maximum benefit to $5,181, reflecting delayed retirement credits.

How to estimate your Social Security benefits

The easiest way to estimate future Social Security income is by creating a my Social Security account online. This tool shows your earnings history and can provide benefit estimates at different claiming ages. Online calculators can also help model scenarios, such as retiring early or continuing to work longer. Reviewing these estimates regularly allows you to adjust plans as income and career paths change.

How to supplement your Social Security income

For many retirees, Social Security alone does not fully cover monthly expenses. Building additional income streams can help close the gap and reduce financial pressure in retirement. Below are several common ways people can boost income alongside Social Security.

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Max out retirement account contributions

Contributing as much as possible to retirement accounts during your working years can significantly improve long-term income. Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs allow savings to grow more efficiently over time. Even small increases in contributions during your 50s and early 60s can have an outsized impact later.

Take advantage of catch-up contributions

Workers age 50 and older are allowed to make catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. These higher limits are designed to help late savers strengthen their financial position before retirement. Taking full advantage of catch-up rules can meaningfully increase account balances before Social Security begins.

Take on extra work

Some people may choose to supplement their income by working part-time or freelancing in their early retirement years. Extra earnings can reduce the need to draw down savings too quickly. Continued work could replace lower-earning years in your Social Security calculation, potentially increasing future benefits.

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Bottom line

The average Social Security benefit for 63-year-old Americans is just over $1,300 per month, far below the overall average retirement check. That gap highlights how strongly claiming age influences monthly income for the rest of retirement.

Understanding how your benefit compares — and how timing, earnings history, and supplemental income factor in — can help you make money moves that align with your long-term financial goals.

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