Skip to content
Social Security Online
      Questions?
SSA logo: link to Social Security Online home

Find An Answer to Your Question


Are you an employer? See answers to your W-2 Reporting questions.
 Answers 
 
Ask a Question
 
 My FAQ Update Notifications 
  hide accessible links  
  Help  
 
 Search by Category View Category Hierarchy
    
     Search Tips? 
   
    
  Answer ID  
5

 Printer Friendly Version of This Answer  Print Answer

 Email This Answer  Email Answer
 
  What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
  Question
  What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
  Answer
 

The maximum benefit depends on the age at which a worker chooses to retire. The amount for 2008 for a person retiring at full retirement age (65 years and 10 months) is $2,185. This is based on earnings at the maximum taxable amount for every year after age 21. You can see the maximum amount of taxable earnings for each year at Contribution and Benefit Base.

If a husband and wife retire, each receives his or her own benefit amount. Social Security imposes no "marriage penalty" when two members of a couple are each entitled on their own earnings record. You can file for retirement benefits online.


 
 
 
  
 
  Answers others found helpful
 
 
  Users who viewed this answer have also viewed
 
Search for Another Answer
  Search for Another Answer  

Privacy Policy | Website Policies & Other Important Information | Site Map         Need Larger Text?