Planning for retirement often involves calculating how much you can expect from Social Security benefits. In January 2024, the maximum benefit at full retirement age is $3,822 per month, although the actual maximum can be even higher. To determine the maximum benefit, one must consider various factors, such as the age at which one files for benefits.
For instance, those who file at the earliest age of 62 can expect a maximum benefit of $2,710 per month, while those who wait until the ages of 66 to 67 for full retirement can receive the maximum benefit of $3,822 per month. However, those who wait until age 70, the age at which extra benefits stop accruing, can receive up to $4,873 per month.
It is important to note that filing for benefits at age 62 can lead to a reduction of benefits by as much as 30%, while delaying filing after full retirement age results in an 8% increase for each year. Additionally, the average Social Security benefit as of August 2023 is around $1,706 per month, significantly lower than the maximum benefit.
To determine your total monthly benefit, it is essential to calculate your likely breakeven age, which considers your longevity. Understanding how Social Security benefits are calculated is crucial to maximizing one’s monthly benefit. Social Security uses a complex formula to determine the primary insurance amount (PIA) at full retirement age, taking into account the 35 highest-earning years after age 21 to calculate the average indexed monthly earnings.
Apart from the age of filing, individuals can consider earning more, adding more high-earning years to their average, and delaying filing for benefits to maximize their monthly benefit amount. While maximizing Social Security benefits often relies on earning a high income over a long period, making strategic decisions can significantly increase one’s payout, despite not being a high earner.