Are You Eligible for the 2025 Maximum Social Security Benefits? Find Out Now

Social Security is many people’s primary source of income after retirement, but not everyone will receive the maximum amount. In 2025, lifelong high earners who wait until age 70 to claim their benefits can qualify for up to $5,108 per month.

Key Takeaways

• The maximum retirement benefit anyone can receive in 2025 is $5,108.
• Not everyone will qualify for the maximum amount, as only life-long high earners have made enough.
• The average Social Security retirement benefit in January 2025 is $1,976.
• You can get an estimate of your benefits on your my Social Security account page.

Who Is Qualified for the Maximum Amount?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to calculate your benefits and the amount you receive is based on your earnings history. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you need to have worked for at least 10 years (earning 40 work credits).

To receive the maximum benefit, you need to have been a high earner for much of your career. Specifically, the SSA calculates your benefit using your highest 35 years of earnings. The more you earned (up to the maximum taxable income), the higher your benefit will be, as the amount you pay in withholding is a percent of your income.

This means you must have earned the maximum taxable income amount (your contribution and benefit base) every year for 35 years. The maximum taxable income amount in 2025 is $176,100. In 2024, it was $168,600; in 2023, it was $160,200. You’d also have needed to earn the maximum taxable amounts or more in each of the following years to qualify:

Lastly, you’ll need to wait until you’re 70 to receive the maximum benefit amount because the SSA pays 132% of your benefit if you wait until that age. If you start claiming earlier, your benefit will be lower. For example, at age 62, the maximum monthly benefit is $2,831, and at age 67 (full retirement age), it’s $4,018.

How Much Can You Get In 2025?

The SSA estimated that the average Social Security benefit in January 2025 was $1,976, but the amount you receive depends on your earnings over your lifetime.

To get an estimate of how much you’ll receive if you choose to begin your retirement benefits in 2025, you can create or log in to a my Social Security account. Once your account is set up and your identity is verified, you can view your estimate.

The Bottom Line

Social Security was designed to supplement retirement income, but many people depend on it for income after they retire. You can receive a maximum of $5,108 per month in benefits, but you’ll need to have been a very high earner for most of your life.