What is the maximum Social Security benefit?

The most an individual who files a claim for Social Security retirement benefits in 2019 can receive per month is:

• $3,770 for someone who files at age 70. 
• $2,861 for someone who files at full retirement age (currently 66).
• $2,209 for someone who files at 62.

(For context, the average Social Security retirement benefit in 2019 is $1,461 a month. The average disability benefit is $1,234.)

Who is eligible for the maximum benefit? People who earned Social Security’s maximum taxable income — the amount of your earnings on which you pay Social Security taxes — for at least 35 years of their working lives. The maximum taxable income in 2019 is $132,900; the figure is adjusted annually based on changes in national wage levels, and thus the maximum benefit changes each year.

Keep in mind

• The maximum benefit is not to be confused with the maximum family benefit. That’s the most a family can collectively receive from Social Security (including retirement, spousal, children’s, disability or survivor benefits) on one family member’s earnings record. 

Also of Interest

• How are Social Security benefits calculated?
• Is there a limit on Social Security benefits for married couples?