Here's What the Average Men's Social Security Benefit Is From Ages 62 to 70

The typical male Social Security benefit exceeds the average for females by a considerable margin at each stage of life. In December 2025, the SSA reported that the mean monthly payout for men stood at $2,282.28, $409.85 more than the $1,872.43 average for women. Claiming age significantly impacts the amount one receives, as the SSA bases the benefit on a 35-year earnings history adjusted for inflation and processed through the primary insurance amount (PIA) formula.

The table below provides the average monthly sums for both genders across the present beneficiary population, reflecting the December 2025 timeframe and those individuals who are currently at that age. The disparity in average benefits between men and women is primarily due to historical variations in lifetime earnings and the number of years spent working.

Men often have a shorter work history than women who start claiming at the same age, resulting in a higher baseline benefit for the average man. Men also receive fewer years of benefits compared to women claiming at the same age, as a 65-year-old man is projected to live around 18 more years, while a woman of the same age is expected to live about 21 more years.

This longer life expectancy for women contributes to the higher average check for men, which is essential for survivor benefits. If a spouse survives, they can choose the higher of the two household benefits, making the higher-earning worker's record crucial for the surviving spouse's income later in life. Annual adjustments, such as a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in 2027, could add approximately $91 to the average monthly benefit for 70-year-old men, raising it to $2,529.62.

While Social Security is designed to replace only 40% of pre-retirement income, most retirees require additional sources to cover their expenses. Men should weigh their finances and life expectancy when deciding when to begin receiving Social Security benefits. Delaying benefits or having a short life expectancy may make early sign-up advantageous, but if neither applies, waiting beyond the initial eligibility age of 62 could lead to a larger benefit.

Married men must consider how their claiming age will affect their spouse, as they may become eligible to claim a portion of their partner's work record, up to half of what the worker qualifies for at their full retirement age (67 for most today). However, the spouse cannot claim on the worker's record until the worker files for retirement benefits, so it's essential for both partners to discuss and agree on a claim strategy, with the option to adjust the plan if circumstances change.

For further information on how Social Security impacts retirement, consult this guide. For additional investment advice, explore The Motley Fool's premium services.