For millions of Americans, Social Security is not just another monthly deposit — it’s the foundation of their financial security in retirement. Every month, retirees rely on this steady income to cover essentials like housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses. But while nearly everyone looks forward to their first Social Security check, the size of that payment depends heavily on when you claim benefits.
In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit shows just how big the gap can be between claiming at age 62 versus waiting until age 70. The difference is measured in thousands of dollars every year, and for many, it could define the quality of their retirement lifestyle.
Social Security Basics in 2025
The average retirement benefit in 2025 is about $1,976 per month, following the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). That’s a slight bump from $1,927 in 2024, helping seniors offset rising inflation.
But averages don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is how your age at filing impacts your maximum benefit:
- 62 years old (earliest age): Maximum benefit is about $2,831 per month.
- 67 years old (Full Retirement Age – FRA): Maximum benefit is about $4,018 per month.
- 70 years old (delayed retirement credits): Maximum benefit reaches up to $5,108 per month.
This range highlights the staggering impact of patience — waiting eight more years from 62 to 70 could boost your monthly income by more than $2,200.
Comparing Maximum Benefits at 62 vs 70
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect depending on when you claim in 2025:
| Age Claimed | Monthly Maximum Benefit | Annual Maximum Benefit | Difference from Age 62 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | $2,831 | $33,972 | — |
| 67 (FRA) | $4,018 | $48,216 | +$14,244 per year |
| 70 | $5,108 | $61,296 | +$27,324 per year |
Key takeaway: Claiming at 70 instead of 62 could give you an extra $227,000+ if you live 20 years into retirement.
Why Waiting Pays Off
1. Delayed Retirement Credits
For every year you wait beyond your FRA (67), your benefit grows by about 8% per year, up until age 70.
2. Larger Lifetime Income
Even though you might collect fewer years of checks if you wait, the higher monthly payments quickly make up for the lost years if you live into your 80s or beyond.
3. Protection Against Inflation
COLAs are applied to your benefit amount. A larger starting benefit at 70 means your future inflation-adjusted increases will be worth more in dollar terms.
Payment Schedule in September 2025
Your birthdate determines when you receive your Social Security check:
- Born between 1st–10th → Paid on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025.
- Born between 11th–20th → Paid on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025.
- Born between 21st–31st → Paid on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025.
Exceptions:
- If you’ve been on Social Security since before May 1997, your payment always arrives on the 3rd of the month.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get their September payment early because September 1, 2025 is Labor Day. The SSI deposit will arrive on Friday, August 29, 2025, and the next won’t come until October 1st.
Exceptions and Considerations
Not everyone can or should wait until 70:
- Health issues: If you don’t expect to live long, claiming earlier may make more sense.
- Financial need: If you need the income at 62, delaying may not be practical.
- Family planning: Claiming later can boost survivor benefits for your spouse.
In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit underscores the huge impact of timing. Claiming at 62 locks you into a maximum of $2,831 per month, while waiting until 70 could deliver up to $5,108 per month. That difference could transform retirement from financially strained to financially comfortable.
While not everyone can wait, even delaying by a few years past your FRA can result in a meaningful increase. As the government faces pressure over the future of Social Security funding, the most powerful move remains in your hands: choosing the right age to claim benefits.
FAQs
The maximum monthly benefit at 62 is $2,831, totaling about $33,972 per year.
At age 70, the maximum benefit rises to $5,108 per month, or about $61,296 annually.
Not always. If you need income sooner or face health concerns, claiming earlier may be better. But for those who can wait, delaying boosts lifetime income significantly.