Receiving the maximum possible benefit from Social Security is no easy feat, and achieving it might not be worth it to you.
Social Security is a major source of income for 75 Americans. How far does your check go? See averages by age and gender, how its calculated and making the most of your money. Updated for 2026.
Get the latest info on average Social Security payments for 85-year-olds, why checks differ by age, how COLAs impact checks, ...
The Social Security Administration relies on four factors to calculate your monthly benefit. Although all ages in the traditional Social Security claiming range, from 62 to 70, have well-defined ...