The states where retirees get the best (and worst) Social Security checks
Most older Americans rely on Social Security for at least half their income in retirement, according to federal data. But it's not a lot of money.
The Social Security Administration says seniors who got just a 1.6% raise for 2020 are receiving an average monthly benefit of $1,514 this year, or annual income of a little over $18,000.
The nonprofit Senior Citizens League predicts an even smaller 1.3% increase for 2021, because of low inflation this year. The group says it would be Social Security's second-lowest cost of living adjustment (COLA) ever.
Benefits are much more generous in some states than others. Here's how all 50 states and the District of Columbia rank for Social Security in 2020, going from the smallest average annual payout to the largest. We also include what seniors can expect next year after a 1.3% raise.
No matter how much you receive, be sure to deposit the money in a high-interest savings account — to squeeze all the value out of it you can.
Our methodology: We used the most current Social Security data to calculate 2019 benefits for the average retired worker in each state, then added 1.6% to determine the 2020 payouts. To those amounts, we added another 1.3% to come up with the typical benefits likely in each state in 2021.
51. Louisiana
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,062
According to the Social Security Administration's most current information, 559,820 Louisiana retirees are beneficiaries.
We calculate that they're receiving an average $1421.83 a month in 2020, and $17,061.98 for the year. That's the lowest among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
If next year's COLA is 1.3%, Louisiana Social Security recipients will get $1,440.32 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,284.
50. Mississippi
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,126
Social Security officials say 429,412 retired workers in Mississippi are receiving benefits. We calculate that they're getting an average $1,427.13 per month in 2020, and $17,125.62 for the year.
Across the U.S., about 1 in 5 elderly married couples on Social Security and nearly half of unmarried seniors rely on their benefits for at least 90% of their income, the Social Security Administration says.
According to our math, the Mississippians next year will receive $1,445.69 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,348.
49. Maine
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,241
Social Security says 242,442 retired workers in Maine are collecting benefits. We calculate that they're getting an average $1,436.75 a month in 2020 — or $17,241.00 for the full year.
Around 90% of Americans 65 or older receive Social Security benefits. Some choose to wait until they turn 70, the age at which you receive your maximum possible benefit.
We estimate that the retirees in Maine next year will receive $1,455.43 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,465.
48. New Mexico
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,291
In New Mexico — one of 13 states that tax Social Security, according to AARP — 307,967 retirees get benefits. Our calculations say the payments in 2020 average $1,440.92 a month and $17,291.06 per year.
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Assuming next year's raise is 1.3%, New Mexico's Social Security recipients will get $1,459.65 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,516.
47. Arkansas
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,363
In Arkansas, 450,419 retirees are on Social Security and collect benefits that average $1,446.90 per month in 2020 and $17,362.82 for the entire year, according to our calculations.
The benefits program got its start in 1935, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.
The retired workers in Arkansas stand to receive $1,465.71 per month next year and and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,589.
46. Montana
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,397
According to the Social Security Administration's most current information, 178,102 Montana retirees are beneficiaries. Our math shows they get an average $1,449.75 a month in 2020, or $17396.99 per year.
Montana also is among the 13 states that tax Social Security benefits, says AARP.
We calculate that the seniors in Montana next year will receive $1,468.60 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,623.15.
45. Kentucky
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,449
In Kentucky, 618,077 retirees take Social Security that works out to an average 2020 benefit of $1,454.10 per month and $17,449.17 for the full year.
On January 31, 1940, the first monthly Social Security check was issued to Ida May Fuller, a retired legal secretary in Ludlow, Vermont. She received $22.54, which is equivalent to $421.48 in today's dollars.
The retirees in Kentucky next year will receive $1,473.00 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,676, according to our math.
44. South Dakota
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,560
The Social Security Administration says 137,577 retired workers in South Dakota get benefits. We calculate that the payments in 2020 average $1,463.31 a month and $17,559.68 per year.
During her lifetime, Ida May Fuller — the first Social Security recipient — collected benefits totaling about $22,889.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, South Dakota's Social Security recipients will get $1,482.33 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,788.
43. Alaska
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,582
Officials say 75,412 Alaska retirees are on Social Security, and — according to our calculations — they're getting $1,465.14 per month in 2020, or $17,581.66 for the entire year.
Like every other resident of Alaska, a retiree also receives an annual payment from the state's oil wealth fund. The amount in 2019 was $1,606.
Alaska's retired workers on Social Security stand to receive $1,484.18 per month next year and and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,810.
42. North Dakota
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,669
In North Dakota, 99,735 retirees collect benefits that average $1,472.45 per month in 2020 and $17,669.38 for the year.
North Dakota is another of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
We calculate that the state's retired workers next year will receive $1,491.59 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $17,899.
41. Oklahoma
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,865
In Oklahoma, 537,909 retirees get Social Security benefits that average $1,488.74 a month in 2020, or $17,864.89 for the year.
Older Americans have many ways to supplement their income in retirement, so they're not scraping by solely on Social Security. A senior might get work tutoring online, or find another side gig.
The seniors in Oklahoma next year will receive $1,508.09 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,097, according to our calculations.
40. Nevada
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,891
In Nevada, 413,107 retirees are on Social Security, and we calculate that they're receiving an average $1,490.89 per month in 2020, which works out to annual income of $17,890.71.
Social Security typically represents about a third of an older American's income, officials with the program say.
Assuming a raise next year of 1.3%, Nevada's Social Security recipients will get $1,510.27 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,123.
39. District of Columbia
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,895
In the District of Columbia, 58,903 retirees collect benefits that average $1,491.24 per month in 2020 or $17,894.83 over the course of the year.
An American can claim Social Security as early as age 62, but if you don't wait your monthly payment will be permanently reduced by up to 30%.
The retired workers in D.C. stand to receive $1,510.62 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,127.
38. Texas
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,950
In Texas, 2.95 million retirees are drawing Social Security benefits. We calculate that this year's average payout in the Lone Star State is $1,495.80 per month and $17,949.64 for all of 2020.
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If next year's Social Security raise is 1.3%, Texas beneficiaries will get $1,515.25 per month, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,183.
37. West Virginia
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,957
Social Security says 292,653 retired workers in West Virginia collect benefits from the program. In 2020, the state average is $1,496.44 and $17,957.24 for the year.
West Virginia is another of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security, AARP says.
According to our math, West Virginia seniors next year will receive $1,515.89 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,191.
36. California
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,957
In America's most populous state, 4.44 million seniors retirees receive Social Security payments averaging $1,496.45 a month in 2020 or $17,957.45 for the full year.
The number of older people on Social Security in California is greater than the entire populations of almost half the states.
The retired workers in the Golden State stand to receive $1,515.91 per month next year and and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,191.
35. Idaho
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,965
In Idaho 259,909 retirees are on Social Security, and we calculate that they're getting $1497.11 a month in 2020, or $17,965.34 for the full year.
Some U.S. seniors are lucky enough to have employer-based pensions that provide additional retirement income, though those have become rare.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, Idaho's Social Security recipients will get $1,516.57 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,199.
34. Alabama
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,969
The Social Security Administration says 731,111 retirees in Alabama collect benefits that, according to our calculations, average $1,497.43 per month in 2020, or $17,969.13 annually.
Half of elderly retired couples in the U.S. and 70% of single retirees derive 50% or more of their income from Social Security, officials with the program say.
The retired workers in Alabama should be on the receiving end of $1,516.89 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,203.
33. Georgia
Average annual benefit in 2020: $17,991
In Georgia, 1.29 million seniors receive Social Security benefits averaging $1,499.23 a month in 2020, or $17,990.73 for the year.
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We calculate that Georgia's retired workers will receive $1,518.72 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,225.
32. Ohio
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,006
In Ohio, 1.62 million retirees collect benefits, and we calculate that their payments in 2020 average $1,500.46 a month and $18,005.50 for the full year.
During June 2020, some 45.8 million retired workers across the U.S. were receiving Social Security payments, officials say.
Assuming a raise next year of 1.3%, Ohio's Social Security recipients will get $1,519.96 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,240.
31. Missouri
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,025
In Missouri, 897,621 retirees are getting Social Security payments averaging $1,502.10 per month in 2020, or $18,025.14 for the year.
Missouri also is among the 13 states that tax the Social Security benefits of at least some retirees, according to AARP.
According to our math, seniors in the Show Me State next year will receive $1,521.62 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,259.
30. Tennessee
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,179
The Social Security Administration says 995,471 retirees in Tennessee collect benefits that, according to our calculations, average $1,514.88 per month in 2020, or $18,178.54 annually.
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The retired Tennesseeans next year will receive $1,534.57 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,415, according to our calculations.
29. Florida
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,212
In Florida — often considered America's retirement capital — some 3.51 million retirees are getting Social Security benefits.
According to our calculations, they're collecting $1,517.69 a month in 2020, and their current annual income from the program is $18,212.30.
The seniors soaking up the sun in the Sunshine State stand to receive $1,537.42 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,449.
28. Hawaii
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,248
In Hawaii — one of the best states for retirement — 218,219 seniors receive retirement benefits from Uncle Sam.
We calculate that they're getting an average $1,520.65 per month in 2020, and $18,247.86 in annual income from Social Security.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, Hawaii's Social Security recipients will get $1,540.42 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,485.
27. North Carolina
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,338
In North Carolina, 1,526,249 retired workers receive benefits that in 2020 average $1,528.19 per month and $18,338.34 for the year.
Americans are living longer and must rely on Social Security for longer periods. In 1940, a 65-year-old was expected to live almost 14 years, the Social Security Administration says. Today, that life expectancy is more than 20 years.
Our calculations find that North Carolina seniors next year will receive $1,548.06 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,577.
26. Oregon
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,383
Oregon has 998,643 retired workers on Social Security, federal numbers show.
In 2020, their benefits average $1,531.92 per month and $18,383 for the full year.
According to our math, seniors in the Beaver State next year will receive $1,551.84 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,622.
25. Iowa
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,425
In Iowa, 482,117 retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,535.46 per month and $18,425.48 for all of 2020, by our calculations.
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Assuming a raise next year of 1.3%, Iowa's Social Security recipients will get $1,555.42 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,665.
24. Nebraska
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,458
In Nebraska, 257,481 retirees collect benefits that in 2020 average $1,538.18 per month and $18,458.11 for the whole year, according to our math.
Nebraska is another of the 13 states that tax the Social Security benefits of at least some retirees, AARP says.
The retired workers in the Cornhusker State stand to receive $1,558.17 per month next year and and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,698.
23. South Carolina
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,519
In South Carolina, 828,566 retirees get Social Security benefits, according to goverment data.
We calculate that they receive an average $1,543.28 a month in 2020, or $18,519.36 for the full year.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, South Carolina Social Security recipients will get $1,563.34 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,760.
22. Colorado
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,544
Colorado has 665,194 retirees on Social Security, and their benefits in 2020 average $1545.31 per month, or $18,543.68 on an annual basis.
The Centennial State also is one of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
Our math indicates that Colorado seniors next year will receive $1,565.40 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,785.
21. Vermont
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,620
In Vermont, 109,498 retirees collect Social Security benefits that in 2020 average $1,551.65 per week, or $18619.81 for the full year, according to our calculations.
Vermont is yet another of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
The retired workers in the Green Mountain State stand to receive $1,571.82 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,862.
20. Wyoming
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,669
In this sparsely populated state, 85,085 collect Social Security benefits, according to the program's data.
We calculate that they're typically receiving $1,555.76 monthly in 2020, or $18,669.09 over the course of the year.
Assuming a raise next year of 1.3%, Wyoming's Social Security recipients will get $1,575.98 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,912.
19. Illinois
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,681
The Social Security Administration says in Illinois, 1.63 million retired workers are collecting benefits.
They're getting an average $1,556.74 per month in 2020, or annual income from the program of $18,680.83, according to our math.
With a 1.3% raise for next year, they'd receive $1576.97 a month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,924.
18. Arizona
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,717
In Arizona — another state that draws large numbers of retirees — 1.04 million retired workers are on Social Security.
We calculate that they're receiving $1,559.72 a month, on average, in 2020, and annual income of $18,716.66.
The retired workers in the Grand Canyon State stand to receive $1,579.00 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $18,960.
17. Rhode Island
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,779
In Rhode Island, 160,706 retirees collect benefits that in 2020 are averaging $1,564.92 a month or $18,779.08 for the full year.
The Ocean State is another of the 13 states that tax Social Security benefits, according to AARP.
According to our math, Rhode Island seniors next year will receive $1,585.27 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,023.
16. Wisconsin
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,834
In Wisconsin, 923,461 retired workers take Social Security.
By our calculations, they're receiving an average $1,569.55 a month in 2020, or an annual income from the program of $18,834.60.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, Wisconsin's Social Security recipients will get $1,589.95 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,079.
15. Utah
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,882
In Utah 296,554 retirees collect benefits that are currently averaging $1,573.53 per month and $18,882.40 for all of 2020.
Utah is yet another of the 13 states that levy state taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
According to our math, seniors in the Beehive State next year will receive $1,593.99 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,128.
14. Virginia
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,939
The Social Security Administration's data shows 1.11 million Virginia seniors are receiving benefits.
We calculate that they're getting $1,578.22 per month in 2020, and $18,938.68 for the full year.
Assuming a raise next year of 1.3%, Virginia's Social Security recipients will get $1,598.74 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,185.
13. New York
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,945
In New York 2.60 million retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,578.79 a month in 2020, or $18,945.49 for the full year.
The first official Social Security number was 055-09-0001 — issued in 1936 to 23-year-old John Sweeney Jr. of New Rochelle, New York.
Our math indicates that seniors in the Empire State next year will receive $1,599.32 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,192.
12. Kansas
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,983
In Kansas 402,018 retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,581.88 a month in 2020 and $18,982.61 for the year as a whole.
Kansas also is among the 13 states that collect taxes on some Social Security benefits, according to AARP.
According to our calculations, seniors in the Sunflower State next year will receive $1,602.45 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,229.
11. Massachusetts
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,987
In Massachusetts, 901,679 retirees are drawing benefits from Social Security.
We calculate that they're getting an average $1,582.27 per month in 2020, or $18,987.19 for the year.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, the Bay State's Social Security recipients will get $1,602.84 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,234.
10. Pennsylvania
Average annual benefit in 2020: $18,999
In Pennsylvania 2.01 million retirees collect Social Security benefits, according to the latest government data.
In 2020, they're getting an average $1,583.23 per month from the system and will get $18,998.77 over the course of the full year.
We calculate that seniors in the Keystone State next year will receive $1,603.81 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,246.
9. Indiana
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,046
In Indiana, 946,375 retirees are on Social Security and are getting an average $1,587.15 per month in 2020 and $19,045.83 for the full year, according to our calculations.
That's not a lot to live on, which is why it's so vital to put money away during your working years so you'll have savings to fall back on in retirement.
Assuming that next year's Social Security raise is 1.3%, Indiana beneficiaries will get $1,607.79 per month, on average, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,293.
8. Minnesota
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,131
In Minnesota 784,382 seniors collect Social Security benefits in 2018 that in 2020 average out to $1,594.25 per month and $19,131.00 for the full year.
Minnesota is another of the 13 states that collect state income tax on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
Our math finds that seniors in the North Star State next year will typically receive $1,614.98 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,380.
7. Washington
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,298
Washington has 1.01 million retirees who are on Social Security. It's one of 14 states with over 1 million beneficiaries.
We calculate that the Washingtonians are receiving monthly payments averaging $1,608.13 in 2020, and an annual income of $19,297.61.
The retired workers in the Evergreen State stand to receive $1,629.04 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,548.
6. Michigan
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,397
In Michigan, 1.54 million retired workers are receiving benefits from Social Security.
They're getting an average $1,616.43 per month from the program, and annual income of $19,397.18, according to our calculations.
If next year's raise is 1.3%, as predicted, the Great Lake State's Social Security recipients will get $1,637.44 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,649.
5. Maryland
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,492
In Maryland, the state where the Social Security Administration is headquartered (in the Baltimore suburb of Woodlawn), 742,552 retirees collect benefits that in 2020 are averaging $1,624.37 a month and $19,492.47 for the full year.
Despite the relatively high payouts here, there are plenty of other reasons you probably wouldn't want to retire in Maryland.
According to our calculations, seniors in the Old Line State next year will receive $1,645.49 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,746.
4. New Hampshire
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,733
In this New England state, 220,989 collect benefits that in 2020 are averaging $1,644.42 per month and $19,733.04 for the year.
The lowest Social Security number ever issued was given to Grace Owen of Concord, New Hampshire, in 1936. It was: 001-01-0001.
By our math, seniors in the Granite State next year will receive $1,665.80 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $19,990.
3. Delaware
Average annual benefit in 2020: $19,905
In Delaware, 162,952 older people are on Social Security, according to the agency's data.
We calculate that they're getting an average $1,658.79 per month in 2020 and a typical annual benefit of $19,905.45.
Assuming that next year's Social Security raise is 1.3%, Delaware beneficiaries will get $1,607.79 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $20,164.
2. Connecticut
Average annual benefit in 2020: $20,223
In Connecticut, 512,703 retirees are taking Social Security. We calculate that they receive an average $1,685.29 per month and $20,223.45 for the full year.
Connecticut is the last of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
The retired workers in the Nutmeg State stand to receive an average $1,707.20 per month next year, and a 2021 average annual benefit of $20,486.
1. New Jersey
Average annual benefit in 2020: $20,273
The Garden State is where 1.21 million older people receive the largest average Social Security payments: $1,689.42 per month in 2020, or $20,273.09 for the full year, by our calculations.
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If predictions are correct and next year's raise is 1.3%, New Jersey Social Security recipients typically will receive $1,711.39 per month and a 2021 average annual benefit of $20,537.
