The amount you can earn on Social Security depends on whether you are referring to the maximum monthly benefit you can receive or how much you can earn from working while receiving Social Security benefits.
Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit in 2025
- If you retire at full retirement age (usually 66 or 67), the maximum monthly benefit is $4,018 in 2025.
- If you retire early at age 62, the maximum benefit is reduced to $2,831 per month.
- If you delay retirement until age 70, the maximum benefit increases to $5,108 per month due to delayed retirement credits
To qualify for the maximum benefit, you must have earned the maximum taxable income ($176,100 in 2025) for at least 35 years, as Social Security calculates benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings
. The average monthly Social Security benefit for retirees in 2025 is about $1,976, much lower than the maximum
Earnings Limits While Receiving Social Security Benefits
- If you are younger than full retirement age and receiving benefits, you can earn up to $23,400 in 2025 without your benefits being reduced.
- For earnings above $23,400, Social Security deducts $1 from your benefits for every $2 earned over the limit.
- In the year you reach full retirement age, a higher earnings limit applies ($59,520 in 2024, likely slightly higher in 2025), and the deduction rate is $1 for every $3 earned above the limit.
- After reaching full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn while receiving Social Security benefits
Summary
- Maximum monthly Social Security benefit in 2025:
- Age 62: $2,831
- Full retirement age: $4,018
- Age 70: $5,108
- Earnings limit before full retirement age in 2025: $23,400 annually (benefits reduced if exceeded)
- No earnings limit after full retirement age
This means your Social Security income can be up to $5,108 per month if you qualify and delay benefits until age 70, and you can also earn income from work up to certain limits without reducing your benefits if you claim earlier
