Additionally, it's important to mention that there are other types of Social Security in addition to benefits for retired workers. For example, the average spousal benefit for a 67-year-old is $833.43 per month, and the average survivors benefit for a nondisabled widow (er) who is 67 is $1,916.72 per month.

The second round of January’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, will go out to the second group of retirees tomorrow. Here is all you need to know about this month’s Social Security payments,

Retirees can boost their Social Security benefits by delaying, strategizing spousal claims and optimizing income sources.

In 2024, the life expectancy for someone born in 1959 was 74 for men and 80.1 for women, according to a Social Security report. The report predicts continuing increases in life expectancy, which translates into even more years that beneficiaries will receive Social Security checks.

Not many people will qualify for the maximum possible benefit, but everyone can learn from what it takes to max out Social Security.

So, anyone that claims Social Security as soon as possible — thereby incurring the largest benefit reduction (30% for those born in 1960 or later) — would shortchange themselves by thousands of dollars. That's because delaying benefits beyond age 62 results in a higher payout, though there is no advantage to delaying past 70.

Social Security Income (SSI) payments are designed for people who have little to no income. So if you earn too much you can lose your benefits. In 2024, that annual income limit was $11,321.49 for an individual. In 2025, that goes up to $11,604.53. That's $967 per month.

Spousal benefits can be a lifeline for seniors who established a single-income household. Spouses who shortened their careers and stayed home to raise kids and manage a household can still receive a nice-sized monthly check thanks to spousal benefits.

Social Security is one of the most important income sources for retirees. Most people qualify for retirement benefits as long as they worked long enough, and the benefits are both protected from the impact of inflation and guaranteed to last until your death.