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Calculator
# Social Security Calculator 2025
Use our free Social Security calculator to estimate how much you’ll receive in Social Security benefits.
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## How Does a Social Security Calculator Work?
The calculation for  benefits is pretty simple. While the laws surrounding Social Security could always change in the future, the SSA currently bases your benefits on a few things:
* Current age
* Average income over a 35-year period
* The number of years you paid Social Security tax
* Your desired retirement age
While past earnings are used as the basis for calculating Social Security benefits, it’s also important to consider the timing of your . Depending on when you retire, you could potentially increase or decrease your monthly Social Security check.
Money Tip:
**Money Tip:** Need help managing your funds before and during retirement? Check out our  for our top tips and tricks.
## When To Start Collecting Social Security
Workers who have paid Social Security tax on income for at least 10 years, as well as their spouses, widows, and ex-spouses, can generally begin collecting Social Security at 62. If you start collecting Social Security before your full retirement age, which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, you won’t get 100% of your benefits.
While some people may prefer to start receiving their benefits as soon as possible, others might want to wait as long as possible to secure higher monthly payments. The table below will give you an idea of what to expect if you were born in 1960 or later and have an average annual income of $60,000. In this example, your spouse will be earning benefits based on your work history and collecting Social Security at the same age as you.
| Retirement Age | Full Retirement Age | Monthly Benefit | Spousal Benefit |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 62 | 67 | $1,281 | $640 |
| 63 | 67 | $1,372 | $686 |
| 64 | 67 | $1,464 | $732 |
| 65 | 67 | $1,586 | $793 |
| 66 | 67 | $1,708 | $854 |
| 67 | 67 | $1,830 | $915 |
| 68 | 67 | $1,976 | $988 |
| 69 | 67 | $2,123 | $1,061 |
| 70 | 67 | $2,269 | $1,134 |
Keep in mind that your benefits will not increase past age 70, so it is generally best to start collecting Social Security as soon as it reaches the maximum benefit.
**>> You Might Also Like**: 
## How to Use Our Social Security Calculator
Our Social Security calculator makes it easy to estimate benefits for yourself and your spouse (if applicable). You just need to input the following information:
* Anticipated retirement age
* Average annual income
* Social Security inflation rate
* Spouse’s current age
* Spouse’s retirement age
* Spouse’s average annual income
Your “anticipated retirement age” actually refers to the age at which you plan to start collecting Social Security, not the age that you stop working. If you plan to retire at 60, for example, but don’t want to collect your Social Security until you’re 67, you should input 67. The same is true for your spouse’s retirement age.
Did You Know?
**Did You Know?** In 2024, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1,867.83.1
You can provide a ballpark figure for average annual income based on your income during your highest earning years. Alternatively, if you want the most accurate results, you can pull out the tax returns and find the average from your highest-earning period of employment.
The only assumption you have to make for this calculation is the Social Security inflation rate. Fortunately, the SSA provides annual calculations of its inflation rates via the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which can make your  a bit easier. Between 2023 and 2024, Social Security benefits increased by 3.2% to keep up with inflation.2
## FAQs About Social Security Benefits
* How much will I get from Social Security if I make $100,000?
  If $100,000 is your average income over 35 of your highest-earning working years and you plan to max out your benefits by collecting when you turn 70, you can expect to get about $3,253 per month from Social Security.
* What is the highest Social Security payout possible?
  As of 2024, the highest monthly benefit you could get from Social Security is $4,873. Most older adults do not qualify for this amount, as it requires you to make an average income above $160,200 over a 35-year period.
* What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?
  If you’re struggling to pay bills, particularly medical bills, you might want to consider collecting Social Security as soon as it becomes available (at age 62). It’s generally not the best long-term strategy, but if these funds could help you live more comfortably without taking on a lot of , consider taking Social Security at 62.
Citations
1. Social Security Administration. (2024). .
2. Social Security Administration. (2023). .
Written By:
Matthew Jones
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to nutrition. Over the past three years, Matthew has worked extensively on articles and guides for seniors related to Medicare, insurance, and finance…. 
Reviewed By:
Jeff Hoyt
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… 
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Account
# How to Create a my Social Security Account
Creating an Online Social Security Account for Seniors only takes a few simple steps. Make sure to have your Social Security number, mailing address, and email address on hand to get started.
Even if you haven’t  yet, it’s still a good idea to create a my Social Security account. If you’re not eligible for benefits yet, the online account allows you to request a replacement Social Security card if you have lost yours, view benefit estimates, and check your application status if you’re . If you are eligible to receive benefits, the account allows you to update your personal information, , and more!1 In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a my Social Security in a few steps.
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## What Is a my Social Security Account?
Before my Social Security was established by the government in 2013, Americans had to visit their local Social Security office in person or call. Now, citizens over the age of 18 can create a free my Social Security account and securely do business online.
This is a time-saver since you won’t have to wait in line at the Social Security office or on hold during a phone call. Plus, you won’t have to  to the office, since you can log in from the comfort of your home. The my Social Security account allows seniors to take care of Social Security matters anywhere at any time.
Fun Fact:
**Fun Fact:** As of February 2024, approximately 54.7 million seniors aged 65 and older currently receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or both.2
All you have to do is create an account and log in to begin accessing services. You can set up a my Social Security account now whether you’re eligible for benefits or will be in the future. The interactive tools allow you to safely access your personal record and manage your benefits.
### What You Can Do with a my Social Security Account
| If you’re not yet receiving benefits | If you are already receiving benefits |
| --- | --- |
| See if you're eligible to receive benefits. | Change your address. |
| View spousal benefit estimates. | Set up or change direct deposit information. |
| Compare retirement benefits estimates at different ages or dates when you want to start receiving benefits. | Get a proof of income letter. |
| Check your application status if you have applied to receive Social Security. | Access a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form. |
| Get proof that you do not receive benefits. | Opt out of mailed notices. |
| Request a replacement Social Security card. | Request a replacement Social Security card. |
**>> Suggested Article**: 
## Is It Safe to Create a Social Security Account Online?
Exchanging sensitive information online can be anxiety-inducing! You may be thinking:
What if my personal information is stolen?
How do I know if my information is truly secure?
What if I get locked out of my account and can’t remember my password?
What if someone imitates me and accesses my account?
Those are all valid questions. You can never be too careful online, and we're passionate about protecting seniors from .
Safety Tip:
**Safety Tip:** Worried about online scams? Visit our  to learn what to look out for and how to stay safe.
To ease your concerns, the Social Security Administration outlines  they take to keep your information safe and out of the hands of scammers. When setting up your my Social Security account, you’ll be asked a series of security questions to verify your identity. That means no one can create an account using your information or access your existing account.
Once your account is set up, the site has a two-step login process to keep you safe. You’ll enter your username and password and a security code that they send to you via text message or email (your choice). This double security login is impressive!
Since only one account is tied to each Social Security number, it's imperative to set up your account early. Plus, you can look at your benefit estimates to assist you in planning for the future.
FYI:
**FYI:** You’ll be able to access your my Social Security account safely if you have a secure internet connection at home. Check out our  to discover the best internet options for you!
## How to Set Up Your my Social Security Account Online
Securely setting up your my Social Security account can be completed in a few simple steps. Before you get started, here is what you’ll need on hand to set up your account:
* Your Social Security number
* A valid U.S. mailing address
* An email address
There are a few ways to create a my Social Security account. Each method starts with the two steps below. After you’ve completed these two steps, you can create an account using either Login.gov or ID.me. We will explain the steps for both options.
1. Open your web browser and type “” in the URL bar.
   !!
   Type in the URL to access my Social Security
- Next, click “Create an Account.”
  !!
  Click Create an Account on the my Social Security home page
### Option 1: Creating an Account Through Login.gov
3. After completing steps one and two, scroll down and click “Create an account” or “Sign in with Login.gov.” It doesn’t matter which you click, because they will both take you to the same page.
   Making an account through Login
- You will then be directed to Login.gov, a safe and secure government website the SSA uses. If you already have a Login.gov account, then sign in. If you don’t, then scroll down and click “Create an account.”
  Click Create an account at Login
- Enter your email address, select your language preference, accept the Login.gov rules of use, and click “Submit.”
  Creating your Login.gov account
- Once your account is created, you’ll return to the my Social Security website to finish creating your account.
### Option 2: Creating an Account Through ID.me
You can also set up your my Social Security account by creating an ID.me account or signing in if you already have one.
3. After completing steps one and two, click “Sign in with ID.me.”
   Creating an account with ID.me
4. You will see an alert letting you know you are leaving the Social Security’s website. ID.me isn’t a government website like Login.gov. It is a website that provides identity proofing and authentication, which means your information will still be kept safe and confidential. If you are okay with this, then click “OK.”
   Enter your information
5. If you already have an ID.me account, then sign in. If you don’t, then click “Create an ID.me account.”
   Select Create an ID.me account
6. Enter your email address, create a password, and check the box to accept ID.me’s terms of service. Then click “Create an ID.me account.”
   Select OK
7. Once your account is created, you will be directed back to the my Social Security webpage to finish setting up your account.
Congratulations, you have now completed the setup process for your my Social Security account!
Keep in Mind:
**Keep in Mind:**When you create a my Social Security account, you will no longer receive paper statements in the mail. Instead, you will receive an email reminding you to review your statement by logging into your online account.
1. Social Security. (2021). .
2. Social Security. (2024). .
Morgan Redding
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous… 