For many retired people in the US, Social Security acts as a steady source of monthly income. Even though it was originally designed to support a larger retirement plan, a big chunk of retired individuals today still depend on it to cover daily expenses.
As per Pew Research, about 63% of retirees say that Social Security benefits form at least half of their monthly income. But this does not apply to everyone equally. People with higher earnings during their careers — especially upper-class individuals — usually receive more. Here’s a closer look at what such retirees can expect from Social Security at the age of 65.
How Much Are Retirees Getting at 65?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly benefit for a 65-year-old retiree as of December 2024 was $1,611. Men received slightly more, around $1,784, while women received about $1,452.
But this is just the general average. If we look at the top 10% of earners — usually those considered upper class — the benefit amount jumps. On average, upper-class retirees aged between 60 and 69 receive around $2,780 per month. And the maximum benefit for someone claiming at age 65 in 2025 is slightly above $2,831, depending on when they began claiming.
How Is This Benefit Amount Decided?
There are two main things that the SSA considers while calculating your Social Security benefit:
- Your lifetime earnings
- The age at which you begin claiming
The SSA reviews your 35 highest earning years, adjusts them for inflation, and then calculates your benefit. Claiming before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) — which is currently 67 — can lower your monthly amount. For example, if someone starts claiming at age 62, they could see their benefits reduced by up to 30%.
Basically, the earlier you start, the less you get each month. That reduction is applied every month between age 62 and FRA.
If you find this a bit confusing, don’t worry. The SSA has online calculators that help people estimate their expected monthly benefits based on personal details.
Should You Wait to Claim?
The right time to claim Social Security differs for every individual. It depends on your savings, health, retirement plans, and overall financial goals. But for those in the upper income bracket, waiting until at least 67 is often a smarter move.
The difference in payout between claiming at 65 versus waiting till full retirement age can be quite big. If you have other income sources like investments or savings, it might be better to delay and receive a higher monthly payout in the future. If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to speak to a financial advisor who can help you make the right decision based on your circumstances.
To sum it up, an upper-class American retiree who turns 65 in 2025 can expect to receive around $2,800 per month in Social Security benefits. This figure could go up slightly over time due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). So, while Social Security may not be the only source of income for upper-class retirees, it’s still a good support system — and with smart planning, it can play a strong role in a peaceful and financially stable retirement.
