Here’s the Average Social Security Benefit

Have you ever wondered what the “normal” Social Security amount might be?

How much you made in your 35 highest-earning years, the age at which you retire and your spouse’s work history are major factors in calculating your retirement benefit, as we explain in “7 Social Security Rules Everyone Should Know by Now.”

Your benefit amount, of course, is a very personalized number. But the Social Security Administration publishes data on average benefits for different groups. Following is a look at Social Security benefits as of June 2022.

Retired workers

Average monthly benefit: $1,669

The broadest category, representing 73% of all beneficiaries, is of course people retired from work. There are about 48 million of them currently.

Spouses of retirees

Average monthly benefit: $835

These folks are receiving “spousal benefits,” which provide up to half of a husband or wife’s monthly benefit amount regardless of how much they’ve worked themselves. About 2 million people currently fall into this category.

Spouses can take whichever benefit is higher between their own or the spousal benefit amount — but not both — starting as early as age 62. Even divorced individuals, if they meet certain criteria, can receive this benefit.

Nondisabled widows and widowers

Average monthly benefit: $1,562

It’s also possible to receive benefits from a spouse who has died. This is known as a survivor benefit, and there are currently more than 3.5 million beneficiaries who fall into the nondisabled widow or widower category.

Unlike the spousal benefit, survivor benefits can be as much as 100% of a late spouse’s benefit. Again, divorced spouses may be eligible. These benefits can generally start as early as age 60.

Younger disabled surviving spouses and widowed mothers and fathers may also be eligible for monthly benefits. These individuals receive average monthly amounts of $819 and $1,129, respectively.

Disabled workers

Average monthly benefit: $1,362

Currently, about 7.8 million workers receive disability benefits. To be eligible, one must have earned a certain number of Social Security credits based on their age. Up to four credits are awarded each year to workers who have sufficient earnings. People must also be deemed unable to continue employment because of a long-lasting or permanent medical condition.

Spouses and children of disabled workers may also be eligible for benefits.

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