The average Social Security check for retirees has surpassed $2,000 for the first time. This is a notable milestone that reflects the rising wage levels and adjustments for inflation. Social Security retirement benefits are a critical source of income for senior citizens.
They have a significant impact on their financial stability during retirement. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average retired worker benefit in May 2025 was $2,002.39. This is the first time it has exceeded the $2,000 mark.
The figure rose from an average of $1,997.20 in April 2025. It continues a consistent upward trend throughout the year. An SSA spokesperson explained, “The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly.
Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount. This is because their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings.”
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments averaged $718.30 for its 7.4 million recipients in May 2025.
These payments are made to blind and disabled Americans. Social Security retirement benefits are determined by a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. These earnings are adjusted for inflation.
Retiring at full retirement age, which is 67 in 2025, provides a maximum monthly benefit of $4,018.
Average benefits surpass milestone
Retiring at the earliest possible age of 62 reduces the maximum to $2,831.
Delaying retirement until age 70 increases it to $5,108. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was introduced in 1975. It aims to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index tracks the spending habits of working Americans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects this data quarterly.
It monitors price changes across about 80,000 goods and services. In recent years, high inflation post-COVID-19 has resulted in larger-than-usual benefit increases. The COLA for 2024 saw a 3.2 percent rise in payments.
In 2023, there was a historic 8.7 percent bump due to rampant inflation. For 2026, recipients might see a similar adjustment to that of 2025. This is according to estimates from independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson and The Senior Citizen’s League.
A press release regarding the COLA prediction stated, “Seniors should be concerned as inflation continues to tick upward. TSCL’s research shows there is a serious disconnect between the inflation the government reports and the inflation seniors experience daily. If the government reports that prices are rising faster, seniors are likely already feeling the pinch.”
As average benefit amounts tend to rise monthly, there will likely be another increase when data is released for June 2025.
