Social Security Payments Across All States: Breakdown
The amounts of Social Security checks received by retirees can vary significantly from one state to another, influenced by a combination of local economic conditions, migration patterns, and state-specific policies.
Factors Impacting Social Security Benefits
- Cost of Living: States with a higher cost of living often have higher average Social Security benefits due to the need for beneficiaries to maintain a comparable standard of living. However, it's important to note that the actual benefit amount is primarily determined by the individual's earnings history, not the state's cost of living[1][2].
- Average Income Levels: States with higher average incomes tend to have higher average Social Security benefits because the benefits are based on earnings over a lifetime, and higher earners generally receive larger benefits[1][2].
- State Supplements and Tax Policies: Some states offer additional supplements to Social Security benefits or have favorable tax policies that increase the effective amount retirees receive. For example, Connecticut offers deductions for Social Security income under certain income thresholds[1][3].
- Migration Patterns: States that attract retirees might see an increase in the average Social Security check due to the influx of higher-income retirees. Conversely, states losing retirees might experience a decrease in average benefit amounts as those with higher incomes move away[5].
- Economic and Geographic Factors: The overall economic health and opportunities in a state can influence the average earnings and, consequently, the average Social Security benefit received by retirees[5].
Examples of States with High Retiree Migration
- Florida: Known for its lower cost of living and favourable climate, Florida attracts many retirees, which can contribute to higher average Social Security benefits due to the influx of financially mobile retirees[5].
- Arizona: Similar to Florida, Arizona's climate and cost of living make it an attractive destination for retirees, potentially increasing the average Social Security check amount[5].
These factors highlight how the average Social Security check can vary significantly by state, influenced not just by local economic conditions but also by migration patterns and state-specific policies.
The Typical Social Security Check Across States
As of July 2025, the average monthly Social Security check for retired workers was $2,006.69, an increase of $1.64 from May's average amount of $2,005.05. However, this figure can vary significantly from state to state. For instance, New Hampshire has an average check of $2,183.82, while Mississippi has the lowest average at $1,814.24[4]. New Jersey follows with an average check of $2,190.05, and Connecticut has the highest average at $2,196.15[4].
It's worth noting that states like California, New York, and Illinois see more retirees leaving than arriving, which could potentially lower the average Social Security check amount in these states[6]. On the other hand, Florida, Arizona, Texas, and the Carolinas see more retirees moving in than out[6].
This population shift can increase the average check amount in destination states and lower it in states that lose financially mobile retirees. For example, Arkansas has an average check of $1,852.07, while New Mexico has $1,865.12[4]. Kentucky's average check is $1,865.76, and Louisiana's is $1,818.40[4].
Delaware has an average check of $2,170.63[4], and Maryland has an average check of $2,139.54[4].
These variations underscore the significance of local factors in determining the average Social Security check across the United States.
[1] https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/cola18.html [2] https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/AverageMonthlyBenefit.html [3] https://www.ct.gov/ct/lib/ctdot/ct/dot/documents/publications/publications/pubs/2017/2017-11/2017-11-003.pdf [4] https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/AverageMonthlyBenefit/2025.html [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2019/06/21/the-10-states-with-the-highest-social-security-benefits-in-2019/?sh=7f480be265d3 [6] https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/info-2019/states-with-most-social-security-retirees.html
- Wealth-management firms may consider the state-specific factors that impact Social Security benefits, such as the cost of living, average income levels, and state supplements or tax policies, when advising clients on personal-finance matters.
- In some states, finance professionals might recommend strategies to maximize Social Security benefits by taking into account the local economic conditions, migration patterns, and state-specific policies that influence benefit amounts.
