The maximum Social Security benefit in 2027

Who can get the maximum

Very few people. Social Security's example assumes a worker who earned at or above the maximum taxable amount every year from age 22 until retirement. The maximum taxable amount is $192,300 for 2027 and was $184,500 for 2026. Earnings above it are not taxed for Social Security and do not raise the benefit. Most people's benefits are well below the maximum; the average retired worker's benefit after the 2027 increase is about $2,170 a month (see average benefits).

Why the age matters so much

The benefit is reduced for every month you start before full retirement age and increased for every month you wait after it, up to 70. That is why the maximum at 70 is $2,264 a month more than at 62. The guide to choosing a claiming age shows the same effect for any benefit, and the claiming age calculator works it out for yours.

Social Security's table assumes retirement at exact age 62 and 1 month, because a person must be 62 throughout the first month of retirement.

Compared with 2026

For a worker who retired in January 2026, the same table lists initial maximum benefits of $2,969 at 62, $4,207 at 67 and $5,181 at 70. The 2027 fact sheet's maximum at full retirement age rose from $4,152 to $4,188. People already receiving benefits get the 3.6% cost-of-living increase on their own amount instead.

Taxes on a large benefit

A benefit this size is often partly taxable, depending on other income. The taxable Social Security calculator follows the IRS worksheet, and the state table shows where state tax applies.