If You Make $100,000 in Average Annual Income, Here's What You'll Get From Social Security at 67 | The Motley Fool (2024)

For anyone born after 1960, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that your normal retirement age, which is when you would be entitled to your full benefit, is 67.

But deciding whether or not you should retire at that age can be difficult. You can start receiving Social Security benefits as soon as you turn 62, but claiming early can significantly reduce your amount.

You can also wait until 70 to start taking Social Security (increasing your benefit to the highest amount possible), but perhaps you don't want to wait that long. It depends on where you are in life from a financial perspective and how your health is doing.

Given all of these factors, it's a good idea to figure out how much you might get when you start to claim benefits. Despite its complexity, you can break down the Social Security formula into basic parts to calculate your amount. Let's see how much you would make if you earned about $100,000 annually (adjusted) over your career and retired at 67.

If You Make $100,000 in Average Annual Income, Here's What You'll Get From Social Security at 67 | The Motley Fool (1)

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Breaking down the formula

To begin calculating your benefits, the SSA first calculates your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which looks at the 35 years of your work history in which you made the most money.

It looks at your nominal earnings over these 35 years and then indexes them (or adjusts them) to determine what the amounts would have been if you were making them in the present. So, essentially, the SSA would take your nominal earnings, from, say, 1982 and adjust them for wage inflation over the years to reflect what those earnings would be in 2022.

An example on the SSA website shows that nominal earnings of $13,587 in 1982 would have been equivalent to about $52,000 in 2022. But the SSA also has a wage base limit for what a retiree can get credit for. That number is $147,000 in 2022.

To finish getting the AIME, you add up your highest 35 years of annual earnings, which are now indexed to account for inflation. Then you divide by 35 to get the annual amount over that period and then divide by 12 to get the monthly amount.

Once you have your AIME, the next thing you need to do is calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is your actual monthly benefit from Social Security for those receiving full benefits at the normal retirement age.

This is also not a simple calculation, but it can be done easily enough using these three steps and adding the amounts from each step. Here are the numbers for someone who turned 62 in 2022:

  • 90% of the first $1,024 of your AIME.
  • 32% of any amount between $1,024 and $6,172.
  • 15% of the leftover amount above $6,172.

What is your PIA on an annual income of $100,000?

If your highest 35 years of indexed earnings averaged out to $100,000, your AIME would be roughly $8,333.

  • 90% of $1,024 = $921.6
  • 32% of $5,148 = $1,647.36
  • 15% of $2,161 ($8,333-$6,172) = $324.15

If you add all three of these numbers together, you would arrive at a PIA of $2,893.11, which equates to about $34,717.32 of Social Security benefits per year at full retirement age. That's not too shabby considering the maximum benefit is $4,194 per month, and that assumes you delay claiming until you are 70.

If You Make $100,000 in Average Annual Income, Here's What You'll Get From Social Security at 67 | The Motley Fool (2024)

FAQs

If You Make $100,000 in Average Annual Income, Here's What You'll Get From Social Security at 67 | The Motley Fool? ›

If your highest 35 years of indexed earnings averaged out to $100,000, your AIME would be roughly $8,333. If you add all three of these numbers together, you would arrive at a PIA of $2,893.11, which equates to about $34,717.32 of Social Security benefits per year at full retirement age.

How much Social Security will I get if I make $120 000 a year? ›

The point is that if you earned $120,000 per year for the past 35 years, thanks to the annual maximum taxable wage limits, the maximum Social Security benefit you could get at full retirement age is $2,687.

How much Social Security will I get if I averaged $50000 a year? ›

1, 1960, and had an average annual income of $50,000. As of May 2023, you would get a monthly benefit of $1,386 if you filed for Social Security at 62; $1,980 at full retirement age (in this case, 67); or $2,455 at 70.

What is the maximum salary to max out Social Security? ›

In the year you reach full retirement age, we deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit. In 2023, this limit on your earnings is $56,520.

How much Social Security will I get if I make $10000 a year? ›

Your annual retirement benefit, measured in today's dollars, would rise from $13,087 to $15,217.

What is the average Social Security check at age 67? ›

For those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. Rounding up the current average benefit to $1,782 for the sake of even numbers and presuming that as the full benefit, here's how a hypothetical recipient's payment would change between the start of eligibility and full retirement age.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Can I retire on $500000 plus Social Security? ›

Yes, retiring at 55 with $500,000 is feasible. An annuity can offer a lifetime guaranteed income of $24,688 per year or an initial $21,000 that increases over time to offset inflation. At 62, Social Security Benefits augment this income. Both options continue payouts even if the annuity depletes.

Can you retire on 300k plus Social Security? ›

If you earned around $50,000 per year before retirement, the odds are good that a $300,000 retirement account and Social Security benefits will allow you to continue enjoying your same lifestyle. By age 55 the median American household has about $120,000 saved for retirement, and about $212,500 in net worth.

Can you retire on 200k plus Social Security? ›

At 60, you can more easily retire on $200,000, especially if you plan to start taking Social Security at 62. But keep in mind that when you take the earliest Social Security option, you dramatically reduce your monthly payout for the remainder of your life.

How much Social Security will I get if I make 125000 a year? ›

In short, your primary benefit amount is $2,982.97 per month.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›

The Social Security disability five-year rule allows people to skip a required waiting period for receiving disability benefits if they had previously received disability benefits, stopped collecting those benefits and then became unable to work again within five years.

What changes are coming for Social Security in 2023? ›

Social Security recipients will get an 8.7% raise for 2023, compared with the 5.9% increase that beneficiaries received in 2022. Maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax also went up, from $147,000 to $160,200.

What is a good monthly retirement income? ›

According to data from the BLS, average incomes in 2021 after taxes were as follows for older households: 65-74 years: $59,872 per year or $4,989 per month. 75 and older: $43,217 per year or $3,601 per month.

Is $1,500 a month enough to retire on? ›

That means that many will need to rely on Social Security payments—which, in 2021, averages $1,544 a month. That's not a lot, but don't worry. There are plenty of places in the United States—and abroad—where you can live comfortably on $1,500 a month or less.

Do rich people get Social Security when they retire? ›

Although to some degree it might seem as if billionaires and millionaires in the U.S. shouldn't be collecting Social Security, the truth is there is no law against it, and mathematically it makes sense. Social Security isn't simply a welfare program, with money handed out to anyone who asks.

What is the average SS check at 65? ›

65 Years Old

Those who claim at 65 will receive 86.7% of the full monthly benefit, which drops the average from $1,782 to $1,544.99.

What is the lowest Social Security payment? ›

The Social Security special minimum benefit provides a primary insurance amount (PIA) to low-earning workers. The lowest minimum PIA in 2023, with at least 11 years of work, is $49.40 per month. The full minimum PIA, which requires at least 30 years of work, is $1,033.50 per month.

How do you find out how much Social Security you will receive? ›

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.

How do I get the $16000 Social Security bonus? ›

How to Get a Social Security Bonus
  1. Option 1: Increase Your Earnings. Social Security benefits are based on your earnings. ...
  2. Option 2: Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits. ...
  3. Option 3: Be Strategic With Spousal Benefits. ...
  4. Option 4: Make the Most of COLA Increases.
Apr 21, 2023

How do I get my Social Security increase? ›

How to increase your Social Security payments:
  1. Work for at least 35 years.
  2. Earn more.
  3. Work until your full retirement age.
  4. Delay claiming until age 70.
  5. Claim spousal payments.
  6. Include family.
  7. Don't earn too much in retirement.
  8. Minimize Social Security taxes.

How do I get 100% Social Security? ›

If you start receiving benefits at age 66 you get 100 percent of your monthly benefit. If you delay receiving retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your monthly benefit continues to increase. The chart below explains how delayed retirement affects your benefit.

How much Social Security if I make $100,000? ›

If your highest 35 years of indexed earnings averaged out to $100,000, your AIME would be roughly $8,333. If you add all three of these numbers together, you would arrive at a PIA of $2,893.11, which equates to about $34,717.32 of Social Security benefits per year at full retirement age.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old? ›

Average and median 401(k) balance by age
AgeAverage Account BalanceMedian Account Balance
35-44$97,020$36,117
45-54$179,200$61,530
55-64$256,244$89,716
65+$279,997$87,725
2 more rows
Jan 20, 2023

How much do I need to retire if my house is paid off? ›

One rule of thumb is that you'll need 70% of your pre-retirement yearly salary to live comfortably. That might be enough if you've paid off your mortgage and are in excellent health when you kiss the office good-bye.

How many people have $3,000,000 in savings? ›

1,821,745 Households in the United States Have Investment Portfolios Worth $3,000,000 or More.

How much money do you need to retire with $100000 a year income? ›

This means that if you make $100,000 shortly before retirement, you can start to plan using the ballpark expectation that you'll need about $75,000 a year to live on in retirement. You'll likely need less income in retirement than during your working years because: Most people spend less in retirement.

What percentage of retirees have a million dollars? ›

In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings. The majority of retirees, however, have far less saved.

What is considered a high earner in Social Security? ›

Consistently Earn a High Salary

In recent years, you need to earn a six-figure salary to get a top Social Security payment. The maximum wage taxable by Social Security is $147,000 in 2022.

At what age can you retire with $1 million dollars? ›

A recent analysis determined that a $1 million retirement nest egg may only last about 20 years depending on what state you live in. Based on this, if you retire at age 65 and live until you turn 84, $1 million will probably be enough retirement savings for you.

Is it possible to outlive your Social Security benefits? ›

Social Security provides an inflation-protected benefit that lasts as long as you live. Social Security benefits are based on how long you've worked, how much you've earned, and when you start receiving benefits. You can outlive your savings and investments, but you can never outlive your Social Security benefit.

How much Social Security will I get if I make 80k a year? ›

Here's the starting benefit for each of those same final annual incomes, if you wait until age 70: Final pay of $80,000: benefit of $2,433 monthly, $29,196 yearly.

Is Social Security based on the last 5 years of work? ›

We base your retirement benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age you start receiving benefits.

What is the Social Security 1st year rule? ›

That's why there is a special rule that applies to earnings for 1 year, usually the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security check for any whole month you're retired, regardless of your yearly earnings.

Can you get Social Security if you never worked? ›

The only people who can legally collect benefits without paying into Social Security are family members of workers who have done so. Nonworking spouses, ex-spouses, offspring or parents may be eligible for spousal, survivor or children's benefits based on the qualifying worker's earnings record.

Is Social Security based on 10 highest earning years? ›

Social Security benefits are typically computed using "average indexed monthly earnings." This average summarizes up to 35 years of a worker's indexed earnings.

What changes are coming to Social Security in 2024? ›

The 2024 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could be 3.1%, or lower. Inflation led to the highest cost-of-living adjustment in 40 years for Social Security beneficiaries this year, with checks increasing 8.7%.

What will happen when Social Security runs out? ›

Even if the trust fund becomes depleted, the Social Security Administration will continue to take in payroll taxes from workers and their employers, allowing the program to pay the majority of benefits, experts note.

What will be the maximum Social Security benefit in 2023? ›

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $3,627. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $2,572. If you retire at age 70 in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $4,555.

Can you live on 3000 a month in retirement? ›

If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.

Is $4,000 a month good in retirement? ›

First, let's look at some statistics to establish a baseline for what a solid retirement looks like: Average monthly retirement income in 2021 for retirees 65 and older was about $4,000 a month, or $48,000 a year; this is a slight decrease from 2020, when it was about $49,000.

Is $1,000 a month enough for retirement? ›

Someone at a typical retirement age of 62 to 65 can plan on a 5% withdrawal rate from their investments based on the $1,000-a-month rule. But retirees in their 50s should plan on withdrawing less than 5% per year so that their funds last for the duration of a long retirement period.

Where can I live in $1 500 a month in the US? ›

Best Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month
  • Casper, Wyo. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,473. ...
  • Davenport, Iowa. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,472. ...
  • Lubbock, Texas. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,456. ...
  • Lorain, Ohio. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,442. ...
  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ...
  • Lawton, Okla. ...
  • Lynchburg, Va. ...
  • Grand Forks, N.D.
Apr 12, 2019

Is $3000 a month good for one person? ›

If you're single and don't have a family to take care of, $3000 is enough to get you through the month comfortably. And, if you keep your expenses to a minimum, you can save a few hundred dollars from your paycheck.

How much does the average retired person live on per month? ›

People ages 65 and older had an average income of $55,335 in 2021. Average annual expenses for people ages 65 and older totaled $52,141 in 2021. 48% of retirees surveyed reported spending less than $2,000 a month in 2022. 1 in 3 retirees reported spending between $2,000 and $3,999 per month.

How many millionaires receive Social Security? ›

One potential way to help the struggling system is to stop protecting the wealthy. If a “means-test” is applied, it could reduce or even eliminate benefits for wealthy retirees who didn't need the money. In 2017 more than 47,500 millionaires received Social Security benefits totaling $1.4 billion annually.

What does the average retiree make on Social Security? ›

Social Security offers a monthly benefit check to many kinds of recipients. As of February 2023, the average check is $1,693.88, according to the Social Security Administration – but that amount can differ drastically depending on the type of recipient. In fact, retirees typically make more than the overall average.

Do rich people pay Social Security on every dollar? ›

As of this week, Americans earning $1,000,000 have already finished paying their share of Social Security taxes for the year, according to a new report. Any future paychecks for those million-dollar earners in 2023 won't see deductions for Social Security.

How do I find out how much Social Security I will receive? ›

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.

What is considered a high wage earner for Social Security? ›

Consistently Earn a High Salary

The maximum wage taxable by Social Security is $147,000 in 2022. However, the exact amount changes each year and has increased over time. It was $137,700 in 2020 and $106,800 in 2010. Back in 2000, the taxable maximum was just $76,200.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit at age 67? ›

The maximum Social Security benefit for someone who retires at age 67 — which is considered the full retirement age for those born in 1960 or later — is $3,627 per month. What is the maximum Social Security amount at age 70? The maximum Social Security benefit for someone who retires at age 70 is $4,555 per month.

What is the average Social Security check at age 70? ›

According to SSA data, as of December 2021, the most recent year for which the information is available, the average Social Security benefit at age 70 was $1,768.94.

What is the average Social Security check at age 65? ›

You can wait until as late as age 70 — something many Americans do, because the longer you wait, the higher your monthly payment. For those who are collecting Social Security at age 65, the average payment in 2022 was about $2,484 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.

How much is Social Security going up in 2023? ›

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7% in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) required by law. The increase will begin with benefits that Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2023.

What reduces Social Security benefits? ›

If you are younger than full retirement age, Social Security will reduce your benefits for every month you work more than 45 hours in a job (or self-employment) that's not subject to U.S. Social Security taxes.

What types of income does not affect Social Security benefits? ›

Pension payments, annuities, and the interest or dividends from your savings and investments are not earnings for Social Security purposes. You may need to pay income tax, but you do not pay Social Security taxes.

Where can I retire on $800 a month? ›

Ecuador. If you're looking for a country where you can retire outside the US comfortably with $800 per month and experience one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, then Ecuador might be for you. The go-to city for US retirees in Ecuador is Cuenca, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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