As 2025 progresses, there are millions of Americans who are receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that are seeing modest increases in their monthly benefit payments. This can be attributed to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is created to assist beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power.
Those citizens who are receiving SSI, the maximum payments has increased to $967. Married couples can now receive up to $1,450, while those classified as “essential persons” are eligible for up to $484 per month.
There are many states that provides additional SSI supplements. The Social Security benefit amount can vary widely depending on the are of which you live in. The benefit amount is subject to local wage, cost of living and whether a state offers extra support for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
States With the Highest Average Social Security Benefits
Even though the government has a maximum limit for SSI, Social Security retirement and disability benefits are calculated individually based on lifetime earnings. As a result of this, there are some states that offer higher-than-average payments to their residents. Below is the top 5 states:
- New Jersey
- Average Monthly Payment: $1,708
- Number of Beneficiaries: Approximately 1.65 million
- Total Benefit Distribution: $2.82 billion
New Jersey tops the nation in average Social Security payments. This results from residents of the state earning higher incomes, which means more money is being paid into the system.
- Connecticut
- Average Monthly Payment: $1,706
- Number of Beneficiaries: Around 700,000
- Total Benefit Distribution: $1.19 billion
Connecticut’s above-average wages contribute to higher benefit amounts. The state also offers a relatively generous support system for older adults.
- Delaware
- Average Monthly Payment: $1,694
- Number of Beneficiaries: Over 229,000
- Total Benefit Distribution: $387.9 million
Even though this state is smaller in population, Delaware consistently ranks high due to positive retirement conditions.
- Maryland
- Average Monthly Payment: $1,648
- Number of Beneficiaries: Just over 1 million
- Total Benefit Distribution: $1.71 billion
Maryland’s skilled workforce and high average wages are reflected in its robust Social Security benefit payments.
- Washington
- Average Monthly Payment: $1,630
- Number of Beneficiaries: Around 1.41 million
- Total Benefit Distribution: $2.30 billion
The State of Washington has robust policies economic and retirement policies and this has influenced the payments.
Why Benefits Differ From State to State
The differences in Social Security payments across the country can be a result of a few key factors:
- Lifetime Earnings: Social Security benefits are calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years. States with higher wages naturally produce higher average benefits.
- State-Level Supplements: Some states provide additional funds to SSI recipients, boosting their monthly income.
- Cost of Living: In areas where the cost of housing, healthcare, and other essentials is higher, recipients may need more benefits to maintain financial stability.
How to Boost Your Social Security Benefits
There are a few steps you can take to increase your future Social Security payments:
- Work More Years: Social Security calculates your benefit based on your top 35 earning years. If you haven’t worked that long, or have some low-earning years, consider working longer to assist in this.
- Earn Higher Wages: Increasing your income now (if possible) can lead to bigger payouts later.
- Delay Claiming Benefits: Waiting until your full retirement or until age 70, can significantly increase your monthly check.
- Explore Relocation: Some states are more tax-friendly to retirees than others.
Final Thoughts
As a result of the new 2.5% COLA in 2025, Social Security and SSI recipients are seeing minor increases in their monthly payments. Recipients living in areas like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware, the average benefit amounts are fairly generous, and this is thanks to higher lifetime earnings and supportive policies.