Social Security checks have reached a historic level, with the average check for retired workers surpassing $2,000 for the first time in history. Although this increase was reported in May, the trend is likely to continue through July Social Security checks marking a new high for millions of beneficiaries.
According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Monthly Statistical Snapshot, the average monthly benefit for retired workers reached $2,002.39 in May 2025. This represents a 4.5% increase compared to May 2024, when the average benefit was $1,917. The increase exceeds the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) because there are additional factors that have led to the increase.
Why July Social Security Checks Are Reaching New Heights
1. The 2025 COLA Boost
Although the 2.5% COLA for 2025 does not account for the overall increase, it has been instrumental in pushing up monthly checks starting in January. The COLA adjustment is based on third-quarter inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is aimed at boosting the purchasing power for retirees amid inflation.
2. Enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act has been a game-changer since it was signed into law in January 2025. It repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which had long reduced benefits for millions of former government employees.
Due to the repeal, monthly checks for former government employees have increased significantly, with an average increase of $360 monthly, according to Congressional estimates. This policy has also pushed monthly benefits to new highs.
3. New Retirees with Higher Earnings
Recently, retirees have had higher lifetime earnings than those who retired in previous decades. Therefore, when these retirees begin to collect benefits, they naturally raise the overall average. Since the amount one receives as Social Security benefits is based on their highest 35 years of indexed earnings, this demographic trend has played a significant role in increasing the average monthly benefits.
May 2025 Social Security Benefits Averages
| Benefit Type | Number of Beneficiaries | Average Monthly Benefit | |
| Retired Workers | 52.8 million | $2,002.39 | |
| Spouses of Retired Workers | 2.0 million | $950.20 | |
| Survivors (Widows/Widowers) | 3.5 million | $1,863.71 | |
| Survivors (Children) | 2.1 million | $1,139.18 | |
| Disabled Workers | 7.1 million | $1,581.97 | |
| All Social Security Recipients | 69.6 million | $1,857.75 | |
What Retirees Should Watch This July
Amid the excitement of Social Security benefits reaching new heights, retirees should be aware of the uncertainty surrounding the solvency of the Social Security trust fund. Beneficiaries should closely monitor any proposed changes, especially those that could affect retirement age or benefit formulas. Additionally, retirees should be aware of rising Medicare Part B premiums, which could eat into increased costs.
How to Get More Than the Average Benefit
If you haven’t claimed your Social Security benefits, here are strategies you should use to boost your monthly check and ensure you qualify for such record-breaking benefits:
- Delay claiming your benefits until age 70, because the longer you wait (until age 70), the higher the benefit.
- Work at least 35 years, because the benefits you receive are determined by your 35 high-earning years.
Besides these strategies, ensure that you regularly review your earnings by logging in to your SSA.gov account, because errors can lower your benefits. If there are any errors or gaps, ensure they are corrected immediately.
Conclusion
Social Security checks have reached a historic level, with average payments for retirees climbing above $2,000 for the first time. This is attributed to a combination of COLA, major policy reforms, and changing retiree demographics.
While this is good news for retirees, they must remain vigilant because future COLAs might be smaller, Medicare costs could rise, and ongoing debates may reshape the Social Security system completely. It is essential to monitor your earnings record, understand how benefits are calculated, and plan your retirement income past Social Security.