This Is the Average Social Security Benefit for Someone Age 85

If you're heading for 85 or planning for a long retirement, you've lived through decades of cost-of-living bumps and rule changes that shape today's Social Security checks. But you may find it helpful that the Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks what the average 85-year-old gets in Social Security benefit.

What is the average Social Security benefit at age 85?

The average monthly check for an 85-year-old is $2,202.04. That figure is for an "unaffected person." This is a person who claimed at full retirement age. The SSA measures these baselines every year, in December, so this data is from 2024. However, everyone's record is unique, so it's important to run your own numbers with a professional or with the SSA's free online calculators.

What this average does and doesn't include

That $2,202,04 average for retired 85-year-olds refers to retired workers whose benefits aren't reduced for early filing. Nor does it account for anybody in this age group who waited to claim beyond FRA. It also doesn't reflect spousal or survivor benefits, which follow different rules and averages. And, as a comparison, the average check for all retired workers, regardless of age, was approximately $1,975 in December 2024.

How does an 85-year-old's benefit compare to other ages?

SSA's unaffected group shows a gradual reduction in average benefits beyond age 85, with its average check of $2,202.04. By age 89, the average drops to $2,039.15, and at age 90 and beyond, the typical unaffected check is $1,663.04.

The gradual decline reflects lifetime earnings and when people first claimed. Many older retirees had lower lifetime earnings, especially among women. In contrast, at age 84, with all other factors the same, the current average is $2,257.17.

Why some 85-year-olds get more (or less)

Claiming before your full retirement age permanently reduces your benefit. Your lifetime monthly check is reduced for each month you file early, starting at age 62, which is why many retirees today choose to, at the very least, wait until FRA, assuming health and circumstances allow.

Delaying past your full retirement age adds delayed retirement credits each month you delay, up to 8% per year until age 70. So, for those 85-year olds who chose to delay claiming until 70, their monthly benefit amount is significantly larger.

How COLAs keep checks growing for retirees in their 80s

Every January, benefits adjust for inflation with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For 2025, the COLA was 2.5%, which applied to everyone's Social Security benefits, no matter their age. Because COLAs apply every year, even after you claim, your baseline benefit amount rises to reflect each year's new cost-of-living adjustment.

Tax considerations for 85-year-old recipients

Knowing the tax implications of claiming Social Security can help you figure out when is the right time. In 2025, up to 85% of your benefit can become taxable. 

If, however, your combined income as a single filer is below $25,000 (or $32,00 for joint filers), then none of your benefit is considered taxable. Above that, up to $34,000 ($44,000 for joint filers), 50% of your benefit becomes taxable, and above $34,000 ($44,000 for joint filing), up to 85% of your benefit is taxable income.

Can retirement accounts affect your Social Security?

Retirement accounts can affect your Social Security, but only in some situations. Your IRA or 401(k) balance doesn't change how SSA calculates your benefit amount. However, withdrawals can raise combined income and make more of your benefit taxable.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73 can push you into the higher benefit taxation band. But, typically, Roth withdrawals aren't considered as part of your combined income. To maximize their retirement income, many retirees try to coordinate timing, spending traditional IRA funds first or spacing withdrawals carefully to minimize taxes on their Social Security.

What's the maximum benefit at 85?

While everyone's circumstances and therefore benefit amount differs, SSA does publish a maximum initial benefit amount you can claim in a given year with maximum taxable earnings. For 2025, that's $5,108 if you claim at age 70, $4,018 if you claim at full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on the year you were born), or $2,831 at age 62.

For most people, this isn't likely, as you would have had to have earned at or above Social Security's wage base for 35 years. In 2025, that's $176,100, which most people don't reach and sustain for 35 years.

How to estimate your own check

Averages only give you a rough idea of what you can expect. Estimating your own check is the only way to get an accurate picture and retirement plan. It's also pretty easy with the SSA's retirement estimator. If you have or create an account, it'll pull in your earnings record and personal information and tell you your entitlement at different ages.

Bottom line

At age 85, the typical Social Security check is around $2.202 per month, but your amount depends on when you claimed, your 35-year earnings record, and every COLA since you started receiving benefits.

Early claims will reduce your monthly check while delaying up to age 70 increases your monthly benefit amount. Build a solid retirement plan that factors in your actual numbers, your savings, health, and any other income to know when best to start your claim.