The average retiree collected over $2,000 in Social Security benefits this month, but some collected significantly more.
In fact, the maximum possible Social Security benefit is well over $5,000 per month in 2026
However, the age at which you start benefits still plays a significant role in how much you could collect from the government program. Here’s the maximum possible Social Security retirement benefit at ages 62 through 70 this year, and what it takes to get there. The maximum possible retirement benefit The amount you’ll collect in Social Security retirement benefits comes down to just a few factors.
Two of the biggest are how much you earned during your career and the age at which you start benefits. If you want to maximize Social Security, you’ll have to work a long, high-paying career. The more you earn, the higher your benefits.