Nearly 75 million Americans depend on Social Security payments, which often represent their only means of financial support. The Social Security Administration’s recent statistical report outlines the benefits that will be disbursed in 2024, showing that the monthly payments differ significantly based on where recipients live.
According to the findings, some states enjoy monthly benefits that are hundreds of dollars higher than others. For instance, nationwide averages indicate that while some southern states have monthly payments below $1,820, certain northeastern states exceed $2,190.
This report, however, does not yet include adjustments for living costs expected in 2025.
Here’s a list of the 10 states with the highest average monthly Social Security benefits:
- Connecticut – $2,196.15
- New Jersey – $2,190.05
- New Hampshire – $2,183.82
- Delaware – $2,170.63
- Maryland – $2,139.54
- Washington – $2,099.38
- Minnesota – $2,095.13
- Massachusetts – $2,084.32
- Michigan – $2,066.03
- Utah – $2,065.18
In contrast, the states with the lowest average monthly benefits include:
- Mississippi – $1,814.24
- Louisiana – $1,818.40
- Arkansas – $1,852.07
- New Mexico – $1,865.12
- Kentucky – $1,865.76
- Montana – $1,886.95
- Maine – $1,888.67
- West Virginia – $1,898.05
- Nevada – $1,906.36
- Alaska – $1,906.99
Every year, the Social Security Administration assesses the impact of inflation on living costs and adjusts benefits for around 75 million Americans accordingly.
The agency indicates the actual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage and Office Workers (CPI-W) tracked from July to September. Looking ahead, COLA growth for 2026 is projected to hit 2.8%.
The agency announced, “On average, beneficiaries will see an increase of approximately $56 per month starting in January.”
Frank J. Bisignano, the SSA Secretary, termed these increases as “a promise kept,” emphasizing that annual COLAs help ensure benefits accurately reflect current economic conditions, providing a needed safety net.
- read more: Social Security hikes are coming soon, but there’s a catch
Nevertheless, advocates express concerns that COLA adjustments have not kept pace with inflation, often being negated by rising healthcare costs.
For example, standard premiums for Medicare Part B will rise from $185 to $202.90 monthly in 2026, marking a nearly $18 increase. Additionally, the deductible for Part B will also increase by $26.
Since Medicare premiums are typically deducted directly from Social Security checks, many may find that the extra income from COLA increases is largely consumed by higher medical expenses.
In fact, experts suggest that—depending on individual income levels and specific situations—the actual boost in take-home pay that people anticipate could be significantly smaller or possibly non-existent after these deductions.
