Checks over $2,000? The average Social Security benefit is the highest in history

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In its most recent Monthly Statistical Snapshot report, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has revealed that benefits received by the United States’ 52.8 million retired workers has reached an all-time high.

Social Security benefits record

For the first time ever, the average American’s Social Security benefit surpassed $2,000. To be precise, the figure was $2,002.39 – don’t forget those $2.39. A little goes a long way. For reference, the average retired worker’s benefit from May 2024 was approximately $85 less ($1,917).

The increase of 4.45% in the space of 12 months is considerably higher than the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that was applied in 2025 in an effort to help offset the rising cost of goods and services due to inflation. In turn, the consumer price index, an inflation barometer, increased by 2.4% between May 2024 and May 2025.

Retired workers received more benefits than ever before in May 2025.

The report shows that the average for all beneficiaries is $1,857.75. That includes spousal benefits ($950.20), survivors benefits for widowers ($1,863.71), survivors benefits for children ($1,139.18) and disabled workers ($1,581.97).

Why is the Social Security benefit for May 2025 so high?

One of the main reasons for the increase is related to the implementation of Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals provisions that previously reduced benefits for people who also received pensions from state or local governments, and from employers that did not withhold Social Security taxes.

The repeal led to one-time retroactive payments being made to some individuals, and generally led to the average affected beneficiary seeing their monthly check boosted by $360.