I’ll let you decide.
We often hear about the average Social Security benefit and lament the low income it represents. What are the real numbers?
Average retirement benefit at age 65 in 2023, $30,708 according to the SSA. Add a spousal benefit and the couple’s income, even for a non-working spouse is $46,062. In many areas of the Country, this is solid middle class. For reference, the median US household income for two persons is $75,143 in 2023.
The following are overall averages for everyone collecting a benefit in each category based on SSA data.
Average Social Security benefit overall, $20,419.44
Average spousal benefit of retiree, $10,716.12
Average survivor benefit, $17,422.20
Average disabled worker benefit, $16,166.16
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
$30,000 sounds high. I assume the median is lower (much). Then I wondered why you compare the average retirement to the median income?
I haven’t found the median SS benefit yet, while looking, I came across this, FWIW…
It’s complicated.
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“ I assume the median is lower (much).”
Given that there is a maximum SS benefit, the difference between average & mean is probably less than average & mean wage difference.
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Median Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration also publishes median Social Security benefit numbers. These are published less frequently. The 2021 figures show that half of all people age 65 and older received less than $16,989 a year from Social Security.
Table 9. Median Social Security benefits, by age, 2021
Age group Median annual benefit
65 and older $16,989
65-74 $16,912
75+ $17,079
https://pensionrights.org/resource/income-from-social-security/
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Averages can be deceiving, and often are. Need to show averages AND medians, or quartiles or deciles.
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How can you site a median income for 2023? We are only halfway thru the year. What is your source?
And why the example at 65 when it is clear that the average person claims SS earlier than that as proven by your later stat “Average Social Security benefit overall, $20,419.44.”
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Google median household income 2023 and you will see different numbers, they are the latest available in 2023. As far a SS goes the average overall includes disability and survivor benefits, not just retirement benefits
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The amounts are good and more costly as the rest of the boomers retire. With the population growing rapidly due to unmitigated immigration, the costs will be a big factor in the Fed budget from here on out.
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