Patrick
Social Security benefits vary widely across the United States, even among retirees of similar ages and career backgrounds.
This is because monthly payment amounts depend on several factors, including a person’s lifetime earnings, the number of years they contributed to Social Security, and the age at which they decided to retire. As a result, retirees with comparable work histories may still receive noticeably different benefit amounts.
Despite these variations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can still determine where the largest average checks are being issued each year.
How the SSA Determines Average Benefit Amounts
In its 2025 Annual Statistical Supplement, the SSA published the total dollar amount paid to recipients throughout 2024, alongside the number of beneficiaries in each U.S. state, federal district, and territory. These numbers were used to calculate the average monthly benefit for retired workers in each region.
It’s important to note that this data reflects 2024 benefit levels only and does not include the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, which increased payments for current retirees.
Even so, the statistics offer a clear picture of which states’ retirees received the highest average Social Security payments last year.
States With the Highest Average Social Security Checks in 2024
According to SSA data, Connecticut had the highest average monthly benefits for retirees in 2024, with retirees receiving $2,196.15 on average.
The state also ranked among the top for retirees collecting over $3,000 per month, with 19.5% falling into that category—tying New Jersey and trailing only Washington, D.C., which had 20.8% of retirees above the $3,000 threshold.
Other top-ranking states for high Social Security payments included:
- New Jersey – $2,190.05
- New Hampshire – $2,183.82
- Delaware – $2,170.63
- Maryland – $2,139.54
These states generally have higher lifetime earnings levels, which help drive up average benefit amounts.
Full List of Average Monthly Social Security Benefits by State (2024)
| State | Avg. Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Virginia | $2,063.95 |
| Kansas | $2,055.17 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,052.30 |
| Rhode Island | $2,049.82 |
| Vermont | $2,039.64 |
| Colorado | $2,036.79 |
| Indiana | $2,033.94 |
| Wisconsin | $2,027.60 |
| Wyoming | $2,023.54 |
| Arizona | $2,019.52 |
| New York | $2,018.22 |
| Nebraska | $2,010.80 |
| Illinois | $2,004.98 |
| District of Columbia | $2,000.39 |
| South Carolina | $1,996.30 |
| Iowa | $1,992.07 |
| Oregon | $1,989.74 |
| Hawaii | $1,980.89 |
| North Carolina | $1,980.01 |
| Florida | $1,961.58 |
| Tennessee | $1,958.01 |
| Idaho | $1,951.43 |
| Missouri | $1,936.50 |
| California | $1,935.16 |
| Texas | $1,932.02 |
| North Dakota | $1,928.53 |
| Georgia | $1,924.43 |
| Ohio | $1,922.91 |
| Oklahoma | $1,921.69 |
| Alabama | $1,920.20 |
| South Dakota | $1,919.29 |
| Alaska | $1,906.99 |
| Nevada | $1,906.36 |
| West Virginia | $1,898.05 |
| Maine | $1,888.67 |
| Montana | $1,886.95 |
| Kentucky | $1,865.76 |
| New Mexico | $1,865.12 |
| Arkansas | $1,852.07 |
| Louisiana | $1,818.40 |
| Mississippi | $1,814.24 |
Average Benefits in U.S. Territories
Retirees living in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands received lower average payments, ranging from $1,100 to $1,660 per month in 2024.
Why These Numbers May Have Changed in 2025
Although the 2024 data is informative, several factors may have led to significant fluctuations in average payments throughout 2025:
1. The 2025 COLA Increase
A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment raised all retirement benefits starting in January 2025.
2. Changing Number of Recipients
The number of beneficiaries shifts monthly due to new retirees entering the system and deceased beneficiaries leaving it.
3. Surge in Retirement Applications
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported a jump in retirement filings, increasing the number of new claimants with different earnings histories.
4. Social Security Fairness Act Implementation
The Social Security Fairness Act, which took effect in 2025, made approximately 3.2 million individuals newly eligible for full or expanded benefits—potentially altering state averages.
5. Individual Factors Still Determine Actual Payments
Even with average figures available, these numbers do not predict individual benefits. Retirees must consider personal earnings history and retirement age. The SSA’s online benefits calculator remains the most accurate tool for personalized estimates.
The Social Security Administration’s 2024 data highlights wide variations in average monthly payments across states, with Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Hampshire topping the list. While these figures provide valuable insights, actual benefits depend heavily on personal work history, retirement age, and other individual factors.
With the 2025 COLA, new eligibility rules, and rising retirement applications, state averages are likely shifting—making personalized benefit calculations even more important for retirees planning their financial future.
FAQs
Which state had the highest average Social Security payment in 2024?
Connecticut led the nation with an average monthly benefit of $2,196.15 for retirees.
Do the 2024 averages include the 2025 COLA increase?
No. These figures reflect 2024 payments only and do not include the 2.5% COLA boost applied in 2025.
Why do Social Security payments vary between states?
Differences in lifetime earnings, employment length, and retirement age all influence an individual’s final benefit amount.