What is the Average Social Security Check in 2022? (And How It’s Changed Since Then)

Social Security checks are a lifeline for millions of retirees across America, but many folks don’t realize how much these payments can vary. If you’re curious about what the typical retiree gets each month or how these benefits have evolved, you’ve come to the right place.

The Average Social Security Check in 2022

Back in 2022, inflation was hitting record highs, reaching levels not seen since 1982. To help retirees cope with these rising prices, the Social Security Administration implemented a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits distributed that year.

According to CNBC data, the average monthly Social Security check for retired workers in April 2022 was $1,666.49. For spouses receiving benefits based on their partner’s work record, the average monthly spousal benefit was $837.34.

But that was then. Let’s look at what’s happened since.

How Social Security Benefits Have Increased (2022-2025)

Since 2022, Social Security benefits have gone up every year because of changes in the cost of living.

You can see that by August 2025, the average monthly benefit for retired workers had gone up to $2,00831. That’s more than $340 more per month than in 2022!

Social Security Benefits by Recipient Type (2025)

Not everyone receives the same amount from Social Security. The program serves many groups beyond just retirees. Here’s how the numbers break down as of August 2025:

• All Social Security recipients: $1,864.87 average monthly benefit
• Retired workers: $2,008.31 (higher than the overall average)
• Disabled workers: $1,582.95
• Non-disabled widow(er)s: $1,865.74

Interestingly, retirement benefits make up about 80.1% of all Social Security payouts, with disability insurance comprising 11.6% and survivor benefits making up 8.3%.

Social Security Benefits by State

Your Social Security check amount can change a lot depending on where you live. Here are the states where retirees could get the most money each month as of December 2024:

1. Connecticut: $2,196.15
2. New Jersey: $2,190.05
3. New Hampshire: $2,183.82
4. Delaware: $2,170.63
5. Maryland: $2,139.54

And the states with the lowest average benefits:

1. Mississippi: $1,814.24
2. Louisiana: $1,818.40
3. Arkansas: $1,852.07
4. New Mexico: $1,865.12
5. Kentucky: $1,865.76

The difference between the highest state (Connecticut) and lowest state (Mississippi) is nearly $382 per month—that’s a big deal when you’re living on a fixed income!

What Affects Your Social Security Benefit Amount?

Your Social Security check isn’t just some random number. Several important factors determine how much you’ll receive:

1. Your Lifetime Earnings

Social Security calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. The more you earned during your working years (up to certain limits), the higher your benefit will be.

2. Age When You Claim Benefits

This is probably the biggest decision affecting your monthly check:

• Age 62: Earliest you can claim, but you’ll get reduced benefits (about 30% less than your full amount)
• Full Retirement Age (FRA): Between 66-67 depending on birth year; you get 100% of your calculated benefit
• Age 70: Delay until now and get an extra 8% for each year you wait past FRA

For example, if your full benefit at age 67 would be $2,000, claiming at 62 might give you only $1,400, while waiting until 70 could bump it up to $2,480!

3. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)

As we’ve seen, these annual increases help your benefit keep pace with inflation. Recent COLAs have been:

• 2025: 2.5%
• 2024: 3.2%
• 2023: 8.7% (the largest in decades!)
• 2022: 5.9%
• 2021: 1.3%

4. Where You Live

As we saw in the state-by-state breakdown, average benefits vary significantly by location. This happens because:

• Different states have different wage histories
• Retirees often relocate (wealthier retirees tend to move to certain states)
• Cost of living variations exist between states

Maximum Social Security Benefits (2025)

For those who’ve consistently earned at the maximum taxable level throughout their careers, here are the maximum initial monthly benefits for 2025:

• Age 62: $2,831
• Full Retirement Age: $4,018
• Age 70: $5,108

These figures assume you earned at or above the maximum taxable income ($176,100 for 2025) consistently since age 22.

Why Your Social Security Check Might Be Lower Than Expected

Many people are surprised when their actual Social Security check is smaller than anticipated. Here’s why that might happen:

1. Medicare Premiums

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, your premiums (which were $170.10 per month in 2022) are typically deducted directly from your Social Security check.

2. Taxes on Benefits

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. This doesn’t reduce your gross benefit but can impact your net income.

3. Early Claiming Penalties

If you started taking benefits before your Full Retirement Age, your monthly amount is permanently reduced.

4. Earnings Test

If you claim benefits early and continue working, some benefits might be withheld if your earnings exceed certain limits.

Is Social Security Enough to Live On?

This is a question I get asked alot, and the answer is usually no. Social Security was never designed to be your only source of retirement income.

Consider this: The average annual Social Security benefit for a worker in 2022 was nearly $20,000. That’s about $1,666 per month—barely enough to cover basic expenses in most parts of the country.

The National Institute on Retirement Security describes retirement income as a “three-legged stool”:

1. Social Security
2. A pension plan
3. Individual retirement savings (401(k), IRA, etc.)

Unfortunately, since the 1980s, fewer companies offer pension plans, shifting the responsibility for retirement savings to individuals. A 2020 study found that 40% of Americans rely on Social Security as their sole source of retirement income—that’s concerning!

How to Supplement Your Social Security Benefits

To avoid depending entirely on Social Security in retirement, consider these strategies:

1. Start Saving Early

The power of compound interest is incredible. If you start at age 25 and invest $530 monthly with a 6% return, you could have $1 million by 65. Wait until 40, and you’d need to invest $1,500 monthly to reach the same goal.

2. Maximize Employer Matching

If your company offers a 401(k) match, that’s literally free money! Contribute at least enough to get the full match.

3. Consider IRAs

In 2022, you could contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA ($7,000 if over 50). Traditional IRAs offer tax deductions now, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals later.

4. Use Robo-Advisors if You’re a Beginner

Services like Wealthfront and Betterment can create diversified portfolios based on your goals and risk tolerance.

The Bottom Line

The average Social Security check in 2022 was $1,666.49 for retired workers, but has increased to $2,008.31 by August 2025 due to cost-of-living adjustments. While this is helpful, it’s probably not enough for a comfortable retirement on its own.

Your actual benefit will depend on your earnings history, when you claim, and where you live. States like Connecticut offer the highest average benefits ($2,196.15), while Mississippi has the lowest ($1,814.24).

Remember that Social Security was designed to be just one part of your retirement income. Starting to save early—even just a little bit—can make a huge difference in your financial security during retirement.

I always tell my readers: don’t wait to start thinking about retirement. Whether you’re 25 or 55, there are steps you can take today to ensure you’re not solely dependent on that Social Security check when your working days are done.

Have you checked your estimated Social Security benefit recently? The Social Security Administration’s calculator can give you a personalized estimate based on your actual earning history. It might be eye-opening!

FAQ About Social Security Benefits

How often do Social Security benefits increase?

Social Security benefits typically increase annually through cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) based on inflation.

Can I work while receiving Social Security?

Yes, but if you’re under full retirement age and earn above certain limits, some benefits may be temporarily withheld.

Is Social Security taxable?

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable, depending on your combined income.

What happens to my spouse’s benefits when I die?

Your surviving spouse may be eligible to receive survivor benefits based on your work record.

Can I change my mind after claiming Social Security?

In limited circumstances, you can withdraw your application within 12 months of claiming, repay all benefits received, and start again later.