Is Your Social Security Check Above or Below Average?

The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers was about $2,008 before deductions in August 2025. But there are plenty of things that can move you above or below that average.

Your number depends on your 35-year earnings record, when you claimed, and whether you qualify for spousal or survivor benefits. It's worth knowing the average and your current benefit amount, and checking for and correcting any errors to make sure you're set for a stress-free retirement.

What the average check looks like right now

As of August 2025, the average retired worker received $2,008.31 a month before deductions like Medicare Part B. For all beneficiaries combined (retirees, spouses, survivors, and disabled workers), the overall average monthly check was $1,864.87.

Averages also differ across groups. Men typically collect around $2,181 while women take home about $1,780. Spousal benefits are lower because they are based on the worker's record, not the spouse's past pay.

How to tell if you're above or below average

If you're a retired worker, compare your gross monthly benefit, before Medicare deductions, to the retired worker average of around $2,008, not the lower all beneficiaries number. And remember to recheck periodically, as the averages do change monthly.

You can see your current benefit amount and earnings history in your "my Social Security" account. It's a good idea to review this data to make sure your earnings history is accurate. A missing or wrong year can reduce your monthly benefit allowance and you should request a correction. Just bear in mind that there is a time limit for corrections, so you should get them taken care of as soon as possible.

Why your number can be higher or lower than the average

Your retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of inflation-indexed earnings. The higher the average of those 35 years, the higher your senior benefit entitlement. If you have a low- or no-earnings year amongst your top 35, that can pull your overall average down considerably.

In this situation, many pre-retirees choose to delay retirement filing if their jobs are currently bringing in a high income. This could help to replace lower-earning years among their top 35 to pull their overall average up. And, after FRA, there's no earnings test to cause the SSA to withhold any of your benefit amount, no matter how much you earn.

When you claim also matters. If you file before your full retirement age (FRA) then your overall monthly check is reduced for the rest of your life. If you wait to file until after your FRA, then you get delayed retirement credits (DRCs) every month that equate to an extra 8% per year until you reach 70. After age 70, you don't accrue any more DRCs.

Spousal benefit can be up to 50% of the worker's full retirement age entitlement, and a survivor benefit can be up to 100% of a deceased worker's benefit.

What to do if you're below average

If your benefit is below the average, first check that there are no missing or incorrect years on your record. If there are, gather W-2s or tax returns and file a correction. Just correcting one missing year can make a substantial difference to your lifetime monthly benefit amount.

If you're still working, adding an additional high-earning year or two can replace weaker ones and pull up your 35-year average. You can also increase your benefit amount by waiting past full retirement age to build DRCs until you're 70. An 8% per year increase can give you a substantially larger check when you do claim.

Assuming your benefit amount at full retirement age is the average of $2,008 but you delay until age 70, that gives you a 24% increase for the 3-year delay. So, by the time you reach age 70, your benefit amount would be $2,489.92 per month, giving you an additional $482 per month for life, before any cost of living adjustments (COLAs).

Taxes and deductions have an impact on the amount that lands in your bank

Most people have medicare Part B premiums withheld, lowering the net deposit. Higher-income retirees may also have IRMAA surcharges for Parts B and D. So be sure to check your statement so you can plan your budget based on an accurate net figure.

Social Security benefits can be taxed if your combined income, which is your adjusted gross income (AGI), nontaxable interest, and half your benefits exceed $25,000 for a single filer or $32,000 if you're filing jointly. If this is the case, then up to 50% of your benefit can be taxed. If you earn above $34,000 combined income for single filers or $44,000 for joint filers, then up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed.

Can you live on Social Security alone?

Some do, but it's tight. A typical retired worker check of $2008 equals $24,100 per year, before deductions. For many older adults, Social Security provides at least half of their total income, and for a significant portion, it provides all or the majority of it. Which is why many older retirees still need to work or to rely on savings.

If Social Security is your main income source, build your budget around your net deposit after Medicare and taxes. Prioritize housing, utilities, food, and medicines, then shop around for the best deals on fixed bills like insurance, cell, and internet. And remember to check COLA notices each year and recheck your budget to accommodate your new amount.

The bottom line

Knowing that the average retired worker benefit check is a little over $2008 lets you figure out if you're doing better or worse than the typical retiree. If your amount, before deductions, is lower than the average, verify your earnings record and fix any error.

And, if you haven't claimed yet, consider delaying for a year or two and working to replace missing or low-earnings years to pull up your average. If health and finances allow, waiting until age 70 to file can be a smart money move for seniors.