How big is the average Social Security check of a middle class retiree?

Asked by: Gertrude Hauck MD  |  Last update: November 1, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (35 votes)

$1,867 is the average Social Security check for a middle-class retiree.

What is the average Social Security monthly payment for a retiree?

The benefit amount can vary depending on if you retire early or wait until age 70. According to the Social Security Administration, or SSA, the monthly retirement benefit for Social Security recipients is currently $1,783.55 in 2024 on average.

What is the average person's Social Security check?

Though amounts and maximum benefits received vary widely, the estimated average a retired worker receives is about $1,920 a month, whereas the average for all recipients is closer to $1,784.

What is a good average monthly retirement income?

While it's difficult to pinpoint an average retirement income, the most recent Census Bureau data indicates that people 65 and older have a median annual income of approximately $54,700 or nearly $4,560 per month. A financial advisor can help you create a retirement plan for the future. Speak with an advisor today.

How much do most retirees live on?

The median income for Americans 65 and older is $50,290. The mean (average) is $75,020. Average annual expenditures for Americans 65 and older are $57,818. The average Social Security retirement benefit check is $1,907 as of January 2024.

The Average Social Security Check Amount

39 related questions found

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 per month rule is designed to help you estimate the amount of savings required to generate a steady monthly income during retirement. According to this rule, for every $240,000 you save, you can withdraw $1,000 per month if you stick to a 5% annual withdrawal rate.

What is the average Social Security benefit for middle class people?

As of 2022, the median household income in the U.S. was $74,580, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Assuming a middle-class retiree earned this salary and retired at age 65 — specifically 65 and 11 months — their Social Security benefit would be $1,867 per month.

What does the average US citizen retire with?

The average retirement savings for all families is $333,940, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The median retirement savings for all families is $87,000. Taken on their own, those numbers aren't incredibly helpful. After all, not everyone who is the same age will retire at the same time.

What is considered wealthy in retirement?

Rich retirees: In the 90th percentile, with net worth starting at $1.9 million, this group has much more financial freedom and is able to afford luxuries and legacy planning.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What is a high Social Security check?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2025, your maximum benefit would be $4,018. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2025, your maximum benefit would be $2,831. If you retire at age 70 in 2025, your maximum benefit would be $5,108.

What is a good monthly Social Security payment?

The average Social Security benefit is about $1,862 per month in 2024. The maximum Social Security benefit for someone who retires at full retirement age is $3,822 in 2024. However, a worker must earn the maximum taxable amount, currently $168,600 for 2024, over a 35-year career to get this Social Security payment.

What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

Has your income declined or have you experienced a loss of financial resources? You may be able to get additional income through the Supplemental Security Income program, which helps seniors and the disabled who have limited income and financial resources.

Who are the never beneficiaries of Social Security?

Ninety-five percent of never-beneficiaries are individuals whose earnings histories are insufficient to qualify for benefits. Late-arriving immigrants and infrequent workers comprise the vast majority of these insufficient earners.

How much do most retirees live on per month?

The average American spends $4,345 per month in retirement, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's $52,141 per year. Retirement planning means making sure you can afford your lifestyle after you stop working.

What is the average retirement nest egg?

The typical American has an average retirement savings of $489,170. Americans in their 60s have the most saved for retirement with average balances close to $1.2 million. Average account balances more than double between those in their 20s vs their 30s.

What is the upper middle class retirement savings?

Using the 4% Rule, we find that Upper-Middle Matt will need a retirement portfolio of approximately $2 million in ten years.

How much is the average SS check?

Social Security offers a monthly benefit check to many kinds of recipients. As of August 2024, the average check is $1,783.55, according to the Social Security Administration — but that amount can differ drastically depending on the type of recipient. In fact, retirees typically make more than the overall average.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

What is the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How many years will $300 000 last in retirement?

How long will $300,000 last in retirement? If you have $300,000 and withdraw 4% per year, that number could last you roughly 25 years. That's $12,000, which is not enough to live on its own unless you have additional income like Social Security and own your own place. Luckily, that $300,000 can go up if you invest it.

Is $2000 a month enough to retire on?

Retiring on $2,000 per month is very possible,” said Gary Knode, president at Safe Harbor Financial. “In my practice, I've seen it work. The key is reducing expenses and eliminating any market risk that could impact your savings if there were a major market downturn.