Today, millions of people in the US depend on Social Security. Especially for senior citizens who have retired or are not in a position to work, this monthly check becomes the basis of life. But the question is, is the average monthly check of Social Security—that is, $1,950.27 as of June 2025—really enough to meet rising inflation, rent, medical expenses and daily needs? This check is about $23,400 annually, which sounds fine, but when linked to the needs of real life, many challenges arise. If a person has no other source of income, then this average amount will barely be able to meet only the basic needs.
What can be covered in $1,950?
If we compare this average benefit amount with the national average expenses, it becomes clear that this check is sufficient only for a limited lifestyle. For example, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,356, which is barely enough to cover this check, leaving only $594 to spare. The average grocery cost for an individual is $275, leaving $1,675. Medicare Part B premiums are $185, while utility bills run about $164. Transportation costs can run up to $1,098. Thus, this check covers many essential expenses for the average senior, but not enough to cover any unexpected expenses—such as hospitalization, nursing home care, debt repayment or a family emergency.
Why might your check be more or less?
Social Security is not calculated using a magic formula, but it depends on your earnings history and the age you start receiving benefits. Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) is calculated by averaging your highest 35 years of earnings and then assigning you a Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). If you didn’t work for the full 35 years or had low income, your check will be much lower than the average. On the other hand, if you consistently earned a high income and delayed taking benefits, your monthly amount could be much more than $1,950. This process is highly individual—what’s right for one person may be wrong for another. It’s not wise to rely solely on Social Security when preparing for retirement; it’s important to consider pensions, savings, retirement accounts, investments, and lifestyle needs.
Benefit types and average amounts
Each person’s situation is different, and the amount they receive from Social Security varies. If you are a retired worker, your average amount could be $2,002.39. Men receive an average of $2,193.54, while women receive $1,739.16—that’s about $454 less per month. Also, if you are the spouse of a retired person, your average amount could be $950.20. Children, on the other hand, receive an average of $925.14. If you are disabled, the amount could be $1,581.97, while your spouse receives just $440.46. This makes it clear that the category of benefits you receive has a big impact on your monthly amount—so it’s important to understand which category you fall into and how much you’re likely to receive before you claim benefits.
Why do women receive less? The Truth About Gender Disparities
The U.S. Social Security system has a huge gap in benefit amounts between men and women, rooted in long-standing wage inequality, career breaks, and social roles. Women often take breaks in their careers to care for children or tend to household responsibilities, which impacts their 35-year earnings average. Also, women have traditionally earned less than men, lowering their AIME and resulting in lower benefits. In addition, women have a longer average lifespan than men, causing them to have to make their small amount of benefits last for more years. This is a serious issue that women should especially consider when planning.
The Importance of Benefit Age
The age at which you start taking Social Security benefits significantly affects the amount of your check. If you claim at age 62, your amount could be about 30% less than your full benefit. If you wait until you’re 70, your benefits can be about 24% higher. For example, if the average amount is $1,950.27, claiming at 62 could leave you with just $1,365.19, while claiming at 70 could be $2,418.33. That’s more than $1,000 a month and more than $12,000 a year. You should consider your health, age, family history, and other income sources when making this decision.
Who can get the maximum benefit in 2025?
You have to meet several strict conditions to get the maximum benefit from Social Security. First, you must have earned the maximum taxable earnings ($176,100 as of 2025) for 35 consecutive years. Second, you must have worked for those 35 years—without a break. And third, you must have started taking benefits at age 70. If you meet these three conditions, you can get benefits up to $5,108 per month or $61,296 per year. But this is an ideal situation, which is possible for very few people.
What will change in 2025-2026?
There are two big changes in 2025 that will benefit millions and bring relief to the people. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—two rules that reduced the benefits of teachers, police officers and government employees—have been removed. This change came into effect under the ‘Social Security Fairness Act,’ which President Biden signed into law in January 2025. Most importantly, this rule was considered effective from January 2024, due to which thousands of affected people have also started getting back payment. This move has ended the long-standing inequality.
What will be the estimated COLA in 2026?
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases Social Security payments every year so that they keep pace with inflation. In 2025, the COLA was 2.5%, giving a monthly increase of about $50. For 2026, it is estimated that it will be around 2.4%. This means that if you are receiving $1,950 per month, your new amount can increase to $1,996.80—that is, an annual benefit of $561.60. This amount may not be much, but it is stable and provides benefits year after year.
Ways to Maximize Social Security Benefits
If you want a financially strong and stress-free retirement life, there are some simple but effective ways to increase Social Security benefits. First—delay taking benefits as much as possible. Each year of delay increases your amount by about 8%. Second—if you are married, you can increase the total family benefit by planning for spousal benefits. Third—If you are taking benefits before age 67 and are also working, make sure your income does not exceed $23,400; otherwise, every $2 of additional income may be reduced by $1. But once you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can earn as much as you want, and there will be no reduction in benefits.
Conclusion
Social Security is a stable and secure source of income, but it is not enough to live on by itself. The average monthly amount of $1,950 may cover some of your expenses, but it may prove insufficient for a full lifestyle, emergency expenses, or longevity risks. That is why it is important to plan ahead—whether it is age of benefit, family situation, or other sources of income. Decisions taken at the right time can not only bring you more benefits but also make life more stable and balanced.
FAQs
Q. What is the average Social Security check in June 2025?
A. The average monthly Social Security check in June 2025 is $1,950.27.
Q. Can you survive on just the average Social Security check?
A. It’s possible, but challenging. Most people will struggle to cover housing, food, healthcare, and other essentials without additional income.
Q. How can I increase my Social Security benefits?
A. Delay claiming benefits until age 70, work for at least 35 years, and aim for higher earnings during your career.
Q. Why do women receive lower Social Security checks than men?
A. Due to lower lifetime earnings, career breaks for caregiving, and longer life expectancy, women generally receive smaller benefits.
Q. What was the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for 2025?
A. The COLA for 2025 was 2.5%, with an estimated 2.4% increase expected in 2026.
