In 2025, some people might receive up to $5,180 per month in Social Security benefits. But this amount is mostly for those with high earnings who wait to claim their benefits until they turn 70. For most people, the average monthly payment is between $1,800 and $2,400. Let’s break down how Social Security works and what steps you can take to maximize your payment.

How Social Security Payments Work

Social Security is a critical support system for many people, especially retirees, people with disabilities, and families of deceased workers. The amount you receive from Social Security depends on a few key factors: how much you earned during your working years, the age at which you start claiming your benefits, and any inflation adjustments.

In 2025, while some can get as much as $5,180 per month, the average payment is much lower. For most, the payment will be in the range of $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Understanding how your payment is calculated can help you plan better for your future.

How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated?

Social Security benefits are not the same for everyone. The amount you will receive is based on your earnings history and when you start claiming benefits. Let’s dive deeper into how the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your benefits.

1. Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME):
   The SSA calculates your monthly benefit based on your AIME, which is the average of your highest-earning 35 years of work. These earnings are adjusted for inflation. If you worked less than 35 years, the SSA will count the years you didn’t work as zero, which could lower your benefit.
2. Primary Insurance Amount (PIA):
   Your PIA is the amount you would receive if you claimed Social Security benefits at Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. The calculation for PIA uses a formula that gives a higher percentage of lower earnings and a smaller percentage of higher earnings.
3. Delaying Benefits to Increase Payments:
   One of the best ways to increase your Social Security payments is to wait before claiming your benefits. If you wait until age 70 to claim your benefits, your monthly payment will increase by 8% for each year you delay after reaching your FRA. This is called the delayed retirement credit.
4. Maximum Taxable Earnings Limit:
   Social Security taxes your income up to a specific limit each year. In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings will be around $170,000. If you earned that amount or more for many years, your Social Security benefits could be much higher than someone who earned less.

How Can You Qualify for $5,180 Per Month?

While most people will not receive $5,180 per month, it is possible for some. Let’s see how you can qualify for a higher Social Security benefit:

1. High Lifetime Earnings:
   To qualify for a higher benefit, you need to have earned a high income throughout your working life. If you earned the maximum taxable income each year, your Social Security benefit will be maximized.
2. Delaying Benefits Until Age 70:
   If you choose to wait until you turn 70 to start claiming your Social Security benefits, your monthly payments will be higher. For someone with high lifetime earnings who delays claiming, the monthly payment could potentially reach $5,180 in 2025.
3. Claiming as a High-Earning Spouse:
   If you are married, you may be eligible for spousal benefits. This means you can claim a percentage of your spouse’s Social Security benefit, which could increase your monthly payment if your spouse is receiving the maximum benefit.

Take Action to Maximize Your Benefits

The key to getting the most out of your Social Security benefits is planning ahead. Start by reviewing your Social Security Statement regularly. This will help you understand how much you are on track to receive when you retire.

Also, consider the best time to start claiming your benefits. If possible, try to earn the maximum taxable income each year. And, if you can afford it, delay your Social Security claim until you are 70 to increase your monthly payments.

Conclusion

While the idea of receiving $5,180 per month in Social Security benefits is attractive, it’s important to remember that only those with high earnings and those who delay claiming benefits until age 70 will reach that amount. Most people can expect to receive much less, but by understanding how benefits are calculated and planning ahead, you can make sure you get the most from your Social Security.