Retirees across the United States often wonder how their monthly benefits compare to those living in other parts of the country. While the Social Security Administration calculates payments based on individual earnings rather than location, recent data reveals a distinct pattern in where the largest checks are sent.
The latest Annual Statistical Supplement released in 2025 provides a clear picture of these geographic trends. By analyzing the total benefits paid out in 2024, we can see exactly which states have retired populations earning the most and the least. This data offers a fascinating look at the economic history of America’s workforce.
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Connecticut and New Jersey Top the List
The data shows that the Northeast is home to the highest average Social Security payments in the nation. Connecticut currently holds the top spot with an average retired worker benefit of $2,196.15 per month. This aligns with the state’s history of higher average wages which directly translates to larger Social Security contributions and subsequent payouts.
New Jersey follows closely behind with an average payment of $2,190.05. Both states also boast a high percentage of retirees who receive more than $3,000 per month. These figures demonstrate that a lifetime of higher earnings in these regions has resulted in significantly stronger financial safety nets for their elderly residents compared to the national average.
Why Your Neighbor Might Get Paid Differently
It is important to understand that moving to a high-paying state like Connecticut will not automatically increase your own check. Your payment is determined by your personal work history and the age at which you claimed benefits. The state averages are simply a reflection of the local economy over the last few decades.
Areas with higher costs of living generally pay higher wages. Therefore, workers who spent their careers in these expensive states contributed more payroll taxes over their lifetimes. When they retire, the formula used by the Social Security Administration returns a portion of those higher earnings back to them in the form of larger monthly deposits.
Complete State by State Payment Breakdown
The following table outlines the average monthly benefit for retired workers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These figures are based on the confirmed 2024 data and do not yet reflect the full impact of the 2025 cost of living adjustment.
| State | Average Monthly Payment | State | Average Monthly Payment |
| Connecticut | $2,196.15 | Missouri | $1,936.50 |
| New Jersey | $2,190.05 | California | $1,935.16 |
| New Hampshire | $2,183.82 | Texas | $1,932.02 |
| Delaware | $2,170.63 | North Dakota | $1,928.53 |
| Maryland | $2,139.54 | Georgia | $1,924.43 |
| Washington | $2,099.38 | Ohio | $1,922.91 |
| Minnesota | $2,095.13 | Oklahoma | $1,921.69 |
| Massachusetts | $2,084.32 | Alabama | $1,920.20 |
| Michigan | $2,066.03 | South Dakota | $1,919.29 |
| Utah | $2,065.18 | Alaska | $1,906.99 |
| Virginia | $2,063.95 | Nevada | $1,906.36 |
| Kansas | $2,055.17 | West Virginia | $1,898.05 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,052.30 | Maine | $1,888.67 |
| Rhode Island | $2,049.82 | Montana | $1,886.95 |
| Vermont | $2,039.64 | Kentucky | $1,865.76 |
| Colorado | $2,036.79 | New Mexico | $1,865.12 |
| Indiana | $2,033.94 | Arkansas | $1,852.07 |
| Wisconsin | $2,027.60 | Louisiana | $1,818.40 |
| Wyoming | $2,023.54 | Mississippi | $1,814.24 |
| Arizona | $2,019.52 | D.C. | $2,000.39 |
Factors That Will Change These Numbers in 2026
While the list above provides a solid baseline, individual payments are constantly changing. The recent 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment will push these averages higher throughout the coming year. Additionally, the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act is expected to bring relief to millions of public servants who were previously penalized, potentially raising the averages in states with large public sector workforces.
Demographics also play a major role in these fluctuations. As older beneficiaries pass away and new retirees join the rolls, the average payment amounts shift. We are currently seeing a surge in retirement applications which brings an influx of new beneficiaries with varying earnings histories into the system.
Key Factors Determining Your Payment Amount
The specific amount you receive is calculated using a complex formula that weighs several personal data points. Regardless of which state you live in, the following elements are the primary drivers of your final monthly check:
- Lifetime earnings over your 35 highest earning years
- The age at which you decide to claim benefits
- Total number of years you contributed to the system
- Your filing status as a worker, spouse, or survivor
