On average, men receive higher Social Security benefits than women across all ages. As of December 2025, men typically get about $2,282.28 each month, while women receive around $1,872.43, creating a monthly gap of approximately $409.85, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
| Age | Men’s Average | Women’s Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | $1,572.83 | $1,285.50 |
| 63 | $1,580.81 | $1,300.20 |
| 64 | $1,624.93 | $1,342.07 |
| 65 | $1,772.00 | $1,457.40 |
| 66 | $1,998.75 | $1,629.09 |
| 67 | $2,234.41 | $1,801.82 |
| 68 | $2,272.40 | $1,836.58 |
| 69 | $2,321.96 | $1,876.96 |
| 70 | $2,529.62 | $2,024.08 |
This disparity in benefits is primarily attributed to historical differences in earnings over careers and the number of years individuals have spent in the workforce.
A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8% is set to begin in 2026. So, for a man at age 70 receiving the average benefit, that increase means about $71 more each month on top of the figures provided.
How the government calculates your Social Security checks
The SSA determines benefits by averaging monthly wages from the highest-earning 35 years of a person’s career, adjusting past wages for inflation.
Full retirement age (FRA) varies from 66 to 67, based on your birth year. Specifically, for individuals born in 1960 or later, the FRA is set at 67. If someone with an FRA of 67 waits until age 70 to claim, they can increase their monthly payment by 24% due to delayed retirement credits.
Currently, a 65-year-old man is expected to live an average of 18 more years, while a 65-year-old woman can anticipate about 21 more years. Given that a surviving spouse may choose the larger benefit between their own or the one based on the deceased partner’s earnings, the higher earner’s record influences the surviving partner’s potential benefits.
The structure of Social Security was intended to replace roughly 40% of a person’s income before retirement. Clearly, this is often insufficient for covering living expenses, which means many retirees need to tap into savings or other income streams.
What men should know before deciding when to claim Social Security
These statistics represent averages and might not align with your individual circumstances. To get a more personalized estimate regarding potential Social Security income at various claiming ages, consider creating a free account.
Your personal life expectancy and financial situation should guide your decision on when to claim. If you foresee a shorter lifespan or financial need to sign up sooner, early claiming might be beneficial. Conversely, if those factors aren’t pressing, delaying your application could yield greater lifetime benefits.
If you are married, it’s worthwhile to reflect on how your claiming timing could impact your spouse, particularly if you’re the primary earner. While delaying your benefit increases the survivor benefit accessible to your partner after your passing, it also means they can’t claim a spousal benefit until you begin receiving your own.
Have an open conversation with your spouse about your plans to ensure you’re both aligned on when you intend to apply. It’s important to communicate any changes in these plans too.
For more insights into how Social Security affects your retirement, check out this guide.
