51. Louisiana
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,497.29
According to the Social Security Administration's most current information, 573,565 Louisiana retirees are beneficiaries — and receive the lowest payments across the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
We calculate that they got an average $1,455.56 a month in 2021, and collected $17,466.75 for the year.
With a 5.9% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for next year, Louisiana Social Security recipients will get $1,541.44 per month.
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Read More50. Mississippi
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,522.58
Social Security officials say 439,690 retired workers in Mississippi are receiving benefits. We calculate that received an average $1,457.55 per month in 2021, and $17,490.63 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, Mississippians will receive $1,543.55 per month in 2022.
49. Maine
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,756.48
Social Security says 251,087 retired workers in Maine are collecting benefits. We calculate that they're getting an average $1,475.96 a month in 2021 — or $17,711.50 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 $1,563.04 per month.
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Explore better rates48. New Mexico
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,775.78
In New Mexico — one of 13 states that tax Social Security, according to AARP — 318,663 retirees get benefits. Our calculations indicate the payments in 2021 average $1,477.48 a month and $17,729.72 annually.
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After next year's 5.9% raise, New Mexico's Social Security recipients will get $1,564.65 per month.
47. Arkansas
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,791.71
In Arkansas, 460,240 retirees are on Social Security, and they collect benefits that average $1,478.73 per month in 2021 and $17,744.76 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.
Retired workers in Arkansas stand to receive $1,565.98 per month next year.
46. Montana
*Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,885.33
According to the Social Security Administration's most current information, 184,587 Montana retirees are beneficiaries. Our math shows they get an average $1,486.85 a month in 2021, or $17,833.17 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 $1,573.78 per month.
45. Kentucky
Average annual benefit in 2022: $18,894.92
In Kentucky, 635,809r etirees take Social Security that works out to an average 2021 benefit of $1,486.85 per month and $17,842.22 for the full year.
On Jan. 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.
Retirees in Kentucky next year will receive $1,574.58 per month, according to our math.
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44. Alaska
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,112.26
Officials say 79,077 Alaska retirees are on Social Security, and — according to our calculations — they're getting $1,503.95 per month in 2021, or $18,047.46 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 for 2021 was $1,114.
Alaska's retired workers on Social Security stand to receive $1,592.69 per month next year.
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43. South Dakota
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,114.39
The Social Security Administration says 141,799 retired workers in South Dakota get benefits. We calculate that the payments in 2021 average $1,504.12 a month and $18,049.47 for the year.
During her lifetime, Ida May Fuller — the first Social Security recipient — collected benefits totaling about $22,889.
After next year's raise of 5.9%, South Dakota's Social Security recipients will get $1,592.87 per month.
42. North Dakota
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,230.44
In North Dakota, 102,674 retirees collect benefits that average $1,513.25 per month in 2021 and $18,159.06 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 $1,602.54 per month.
41. Nevada
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,371.87
In Nevada, 428,286 retirees are on Social Security, and we calculate that they receive an average $1,524.46 per month in 2021, which works out to an annual income of $18,293.55
Social Security accounts for about a third of the income of the elderly, officials with the program say.
With a raise next year of 5.9%, Nevada's Social Security recipients will get $1,614.41 per month.
40. Oklahoma
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,393.40
In Oklahoma, 551,853 retirees are getting Social Security benefits in 2021 that average $1,526.08 a month, or $18,312.94 for the year.
Paltry Social Security benefits are a reason working Americans need to save more — like through 401(k) plans offered by employers.
The seniors in Oklahoma next year will receive $1,616.12 per month, according to our calculations.
39. West Virginia
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,407.79
Social Security says 299,166 retired workers in West Virginia collect benefits from the program. In 2021, the state average is $1,527.21 and $18,326.52 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 $1,617.32 per month.
38. Alabama
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,456.54
The Social Security Administration says 748,936 retirees in Alabama collect benefits that, according to our calculations, average $1,531.04 per month in 2021, or $18,372.56 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.
Retired workers in Alabama should be on the receiving end of $1,621.38 per month next year.
37. Georgia
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,481.39
In Georgia, 1.33 million seniors receive Social Security benefits that are averaging $1,533.00 a month in 2021, or $18,396.03 for the year.
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We calculate that Georgia's retired workers will receive $1,623.45 per month next year.
36. California
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,483.99
In America's most populous state, 4.56 million retirees are receiving Social Security payments averaging $1,533.20 a month in 2021 or $18,398.48 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.
Retired workers in the Golden State stand to receive $1,623.67 per month next year.
35. Ohio
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,485.87
In Ohio, 1.66 million retirees collect benefits, and we calculate that their payments in 2021 average $1,533.35 a month and $18,400.25 for the full year.
During August 2021, some 49 million retired workers across the U.S. were receiving Social Security payments, officials say.
Factoring in the raise for next year of 5.9%, Ohio's Social Security recipients will get $1,623.82 per month.
34. Texas
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,495.71
In Texas, 3.06 million retirees are drawing Social Security benefits. We calculate that 2021's average payout in the Lone Star State is $1,534.13 per month and $18,409.55 for the year.
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With next year's 5.9% raise added in, Texas Social Security recipients will get $1,624.64 per month.
33. Idaho
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,522.57
In Idaho, 272,396 retirees are on Social Security, and we calculate that they're getting $1,536.24 a month in 2021, or $18,434.91 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.
After next year's 5.9% raise, Idaho's Social Security recipients will get $1,626.88 per month.
32. Missouri
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,535.56
In Missouri, 919,164 retirees are getting Social Security payments that average $1,537.26 per month in 2021, or $18,447.17 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 $1,627.96 per month.
31. District of Columbia
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,585.62
In the District of Columbia, 59,696 retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,541.20 per month in 2021 or $18,494.44 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%.
Retired workers in D.C. stand to receive $1,632.13 per month next year.
30. Tennessee
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,706.73
The Social Security Administration says 1.02 million retirees in Tennessee collect benefits that, according to our calculations, are averaging $1,550.73 per month in 2021, or $18,608.81 on an annual basis.
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Retired Tennesseeans next year will receive $1,642.23 per month, according to our calculations.
29. Florida
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,750.50
In Florida — often considered America's retirement capital — some 3.63 million retirees are getting Social Security benefits.
According to our calculations, they're collecting an average $1,554.18 a month in 2021, and their annual income from the program is $18,650.14
The seniors basking in the Sunshine State stand to receive $1,645.87 per month next year.
28. Hawaii
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,817.99
In Hawaii — one of the best states for retirement — 225,111 seniors receive retirement benefits from Uncle Sam.
We calculate that they're getting an average $1,559.49 per month in 2021, and $18,713.87 in annual income from Social Security.
With next year's 5.9% raise, Hawaii's Social Security recipients will get $1,651.50 per month.
27. North Carolina
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,892.01
In North Carolina,1,574,403 retired workers in 2021 are receiving average benefits of $1,565.31 per month and $18,783.77 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 $1,657.67 per month.
26. Oregon
Average annual benefit in 2022: $19,939.97
Oregon has 683,497 retired workers on Social Security, federal numbers show.
In 2021, their benefits are averaging $1,569.09 per month and $18,829.06 for the full year.
According to our math, seniors in the Beaver State next year will receive $1,661.66 per month.
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25. Iowa
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,004.30
In Iowa, 493,211 retirees collect benefits, according to the Social Security Administration.
They currently receive $1,574.15 per month from the program and an annual income of $18,889.81 for 2021, by our calculations.
With next year's 5.9% raise added in, Iowa's Social Security recipients will get $1,667.03 per month.
24. Nebraska
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,060.33
In Nebraska, 264,178 retirees collect benefits that in 2021 are averaging $1,578.56 per month and $18,942.71 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.
Retired workers in the Cornhusker State stand to receive $1,671.69 per month next year.
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23. South Carolina
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,102.90
In South Carolina, 857,657 retirees get Social Security benefits, according to government data.
We calculate that they receive an average $1,581.90 a month in 2021, or $18,982.91 for the full year.
With next year's raise of 5.9%, South Carolina Social Security recipients will get $1,675.24 per month.
22. Colorado
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,201.56
Colorado has 690,452 retirees on Social Security, and their typical benefits in 2021 are $1,589.67 per month, or $19,076.07 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 Colorado seniors next year will receive $1,683.46 per month.
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21. Illinois
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,247.20
The Social Security Administration says in Illinois, 1.65 million retired workers are collecting benefits.
They're getting an average $1,593.26 per month in 2021, or annual income from the program of $19,119.17, according to our math.
With a 5.9% raise for next year, Illinois seniors will receive $1,687.27 a month.
20. Vermont
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,273.45
In Vermont, 113,550 retirees collect Social Security benefits that in 2021 are averaging $1,595.33 per month, or $19,143.96 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.
Retired workers in the Green Mountain State stand to receive $1,689.45 per month next year.
19. Wyoming
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,282.29
In this sparsely populated state, 88,506 collect Social Security benefits, according to the program's data.
We calculate that they typically receive $1,596.02 monthly in 2021, which will add up to $19,152.30 over the course of the year.
Factoring in a raise next year of 5.9%, Wyoming's Social Security recipients will get $1,690.19 per month.
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18. Arizona
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,319.95
In Arizona — another state that draws large numbers of retirees — 1.08 million retired workers are on Social Security.
We calculate that they're receiving $1,598.99 a month, on average, in 2021, and an annual income of $19,187.87
Retired workers in the Grand Canyon State stand to receive $1,693.33 per month next year.
17. Wisconsin
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,429.83
In Wisconsin, 950,228 retired workers take Social Security.
By our calculations, they're receiving an average $1,607.64 a month in 2021, or an annual income from the program of $19,291.63
With next year's 5.9% raise, Wisconsin's Social Security recipients will get $1,702.49 per month.
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16. Rhode Island
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,431.68
In Rhode Island, 164,439 retirees collect benefits that in 2021 average $1,607.78 a month or $19,293.37 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 $1,702.64 per month.
15. New York
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,530.64
In New York, 2.6 million retirees collect benefits averaging $1,615.57 a month in 2021, or $19,386.82 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 $1,710.89 per month.
14. Utah
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,549.26
In Utah, 308,775 retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,617.03 per month and $19,404.40 for all of 2021.
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 $1,712.44 per month.
13. Virginia
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,570.45
The Social Security Administration's data shows 1.15 million Virginia seniors are receiving benefits.
We calculate that they're getting $1,618.70 per month in 2021, and $19,424.41 for the full year.
Adding in a raise next year of 5.9%, Virginia's Social Security recipients will get $1,714.20 per month.
12. Pennsylvania
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,613.84
In Pennsylvania, 2.06 million retirees collect Social Security benefits, according to the latest government data.
In 2021, they're getting an average $1,622.12 per month from the system and $19,465.38 over the course of the full year.
We calculate that seniors in the Keystone State next year will receive $1,717.82 per month.
11. Kansas
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,622.20
In Kansas, 413,953 retirees collect benefits that are averaging $1,622.77 a month in 2021 and $19,473.27 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 $1,718.52 per month.
10. Indiana
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,622.76
In Indiana, 969,120 retirees are on Social Security and get an average $1,622.82 per month in 2021 and $19,473.80 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.
Adding in next year's Social Security raise of 5.9%, Indiana beneficiaries will get $1,718.56 per month, on average.
9. Massachusetts
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,668.71
In Massachusetts, 921,297 retirees are drawing benefits from Social Security.
We calculate that they're collecting an average $1,626.43 per month in 2021, or $19,517.19 for the year.
After next year's 5.9% raise, the Bay State's Social Security recipients will get $1,722.39 per month.
8. Minnesota
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,814.64
In Minnesota, 807,380 seniors collect Social Security benefits that in 2021 average out to $1,637.92 per month and $19,655.00 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 $1,734.55 per month.
7. Washington
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,974.15
Washington has 1.04 million retirees who are on Social Security. It's one of 14 states with over 1 million beneficiaries.
We calculate that Washingtonians receive monthly payments averaging $1,650.47 in 2021, and an annual income of $19,805.62.
Retired workers in the Evergreen State stand to receive $1,747.85 per month next year.
6. Michigan
Average annual benefit in 2022: $20,994.35
In Michigan, 1.57 million retired workers are receiving benefits from Social Security.
They're getting an average $1,652.06 per month from the program this year, and an annual income of $19,824.69, according to our calculations.
After next year's 5.9% raise, the Great Lake State's Social Security recipients will get $1,749.53 per month.
5. Maryland
Average annual benefit in 2022: $21,207.20
In Maryland — the state where the Social Security Administration is headquartered (in the Baltimore suburb of Woodlawn) — 761,526 retirees collect benefits that in 2021 average $1,668.81 a month and $20,025.68 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 $1,767.27 per month.
4. New Hampshire
Average annual benefit in 2022: $21,502.07
In this New England state, 228,809 collect benefits that in 2021 are averaging $1,692.01 per month and $20,304.13 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 $1,791.84 per month.
3. Delaware
Average annual benefit in 2022: $21,640.74
In Delaware, 169,378 older people are on Social Security, according to the agency's data.
We calculate that they're getting an average $1,702.92 per month in 2021 and a typical annual benefit of $20,435.07.
Factoring in next year's Social Security raise of 5.9%, Delaware beneficiaries will get $1,803.39 per month.
2. Connecticut
Average annual benefit in 2022: $21,968.26
In Connecticut, 522,492 retirees are taking Social Security. We calculate that they're receiving an average $1,728.69 per month and $20,744.34 for the full year.
Connecticut is the last of the 13 states that collect taxes on Social Security benefits, AARP says.
Retired workers in the Nutmeg State stand to receive an average $1,830.69 per month next year.
1. New Jersey
Average annual benefit in 2022: $22,016.53
The Garden State is where 1.23 million older people receive the largest average Social Security payments: $1,732.49 per month in 2021, or $20,789.93 for the full year, by our calculations.
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After the 2022 raise of 5.9%, New Jersey Social Security recipients typically will receive $1,834.71 per month.
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