Seniors aged 66-67 in the United States are eligible for Social Security payments of up to $3,822. These payments are available for high earners who meet specific requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The next significant payment is scheduled for November 27, 2024, just before the anticipated 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase.
Let’s break down what these payments mean for retirees, how eligibility works, and how seniors can boost their benefits if their payments are lower than expected.
Payments
Eligibility
To receive up to $3,822, seniors aged 66-67 must meet the following criteria:
- Full Retirement Age: Benefits were claimed at Full Retirement Age (FRA), typically 66 or 67, depending on your birth year.
- High Earnings: Consistently earned at or above the SSA’s contribution and benefit base for 35 years.
- Post-1997 Benefits: Began receiving Social Security after April 30, 1997.
- Exclusions: Must not currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
For those who qualify, the November 27 payment will be deposited directly or sent via check.
Payment Dates
Social Security payments are staggered based on the recipient’s birthdate. For seniors born between the 21st and 31st of the month, payments are due on November 27.
Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will instead get their payment on December 3, 2024.
Additional December payment dates include:
| Payment Date | Who Receives It? |
|---|---|
| December 11 | Birthdates 1st-10th |
| December 18 | Birthdates 11th-20th |
| December 24 | Birthdates 21st-31st |
Average Benefits
Most seniors aged 66-67 do not receive the maximum $3,822. Here’s a snapshot of typical payments:
| Category | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum for High Earners | $3,822 |
| Average Retired Worker (All Ages) | $1,924 |
| Average for Ages 66-67 | $1,750-$1,900 |
Factors such as lower lifetime earnings or shorter work histories reduce benefits.
Increasing Benefits
Seniors with low Social Security payments have several options to increase their monthly income:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Designed for individuals with limited income and resources, SSI can add a monthly boost.
- SNAP Benefits: Seniors can apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help cover grocery expenses.
- Delayed Retirement Credits: For those not yet collecting benefits, delaying Social Security beyond FRA increases payments by up to 8% per year until age 70.
- Spousal or Survivor Benefits: Married or widowed seniors may qualify for additional Social Security benefits based on their spouse’s or late spouse’s earnings.
Social Security plays a vital role in retirement, but the system isn’t one-size-fits-all. High earners might maximize benefits, but there are tools available to help others supplement their income.
Whether through SSI, SNAP, or strategic planning, retirees have options to secure financial stability.
