Story perspectives
Social Security caps benefits at $5,181 monthly for retirees
By Drooid · · How we work
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Story summary
- Social Security caps the monthly retirement benefit at $5,181 for eligible retirees.
- Retirees must wait until age 70 and earn the $184,500 wage cap for 35 years.
- Average monthly benefit for all retirees was $2,071 in January 2026.
- Full retirement age 67 provides a $4,152 monthly benefit for those born 1960 or later.
- Each delayed filing year after full retirement age adds about 8% to benefits, up to age 70.