RETIREES GET THE BIGGEST SOCIAL SECURITY BOOST IN THESE 10 STATES — SEE WHERE YOUR STATE RANKS

Retirees who live only on Social Security money often find it hard to manage expenses, but how far the money goes depends a lot on which state they live in. In some places, seniors live on less than about $1,900 per month, while in other states the same type of benefits can last much longer because the average payments are higher. New data shows that some states have much bigger average Social Security checks than others, based on official numbers from the Social Security Administration.

This ranking is based on the average monthly Social Security payments in 2024. It also includes estimates for 2026 after adding expected cost-of-living increases (COLA). The data comes from the Social Security Administration and was shared by The Motley Fool.

New Hampshire is in 1st place. Retirees there get about $2,359 per month in 2024. This may increase to about $2,486 by 2026 after COLA raises. Connecticut is in 2nd place. People receive around $2,342 monthly in 2024, and it may grow to about $2,468 in 2026.

Top states with highest benefits

Maryland is in 3rd place. Retirees there got about $2,297 per month in 2024. This may increase to about $2,421 by 2026. New Jersey is 4th. People received around $2,292 monthly in 2024, and it may rise to about $2,415 in 2026. Delaware is 5th. Retirees got about $2,252 per month in 2024, and it could grow to about $2,373 by 2026.

Massachusetts is 6th. Average checks were about $2,243 monthly in 2024, and they may reach around $2,364 in 2026. Minnesota is 7th. People got about $2,228 per month in 2024, which may increase to about $2,348 by 2026. Washington is 8th. Retirees received around $2,210 monthly in 2024, possibly rising to about $2,329 in 2026.

Rhode Island is 9th. People got about $2,193 per month in 2024, expected to increase to about $2,311 by 2026. Virginia is 10th. Retirees received about $2,178 monthly in 2024, and it may grow to about $2,295 by 2026.

Why some states get more money

Experts say some states get higher Social Security money because people there usually earn higher salaries when they work. Higher salary means bigger payments after retirement. But no matter where someone lives, their Social Security check depends on three main things: how much they earned, how many years they worked, and what age they start taking benefits.

If people learn how these benefits are calculated, they can plan better and get more money later. Some experts also say there are simple strategies many people don’t know about. By using the right claiming method, some retirees may increase their yearly benefits by up to $23,760.

FAQs

Q1. Which state has the highest Social Security benefits?

New Hampshire has the highest average monthly Social Security payments, according to data from the Social Security Administration.

Q2. Why do some states get higher Social Security checks?

Some states get higher benefits because people there usually had higher salaries and longer work histories.