"Over 50 million retired workers across the country are cashing in Social Security checks - but, depending on where they're spending their golden years, some might deposit higher monthly payments than their fellow retirees. Recipients in states across the East Coast, for instance, receive higher median monthly payments than their peers in some Southern states - although they may end up paying some of that back in taxes."
"Retirees in New Jersey receive a median $2,172 monthly, the highest across states; compare that to $1,726 in Louisiana and Mississippi, the states where recipients see the lowest median payments. As of November 2025, retired workers nationally were receiving an average monthly benefit of around $1,960, according to the Social Security Administration. They're also slated to see their benefits increase further in the new year, as a 2.8% cost-of-living increase kicks in."
More than 50 million retired workers receive Social Security checks, but median monthly benefits vary significantly by state. New Jersey and Connecticut report the highest medians, with New Jersey at $2,172 monthly, while Louisiana and Mississippi report the lowest at $1,726. The national average monthly benefit was about $1,960 as of November 2025, and benefits are scheduled to rise 2.8% with the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment. East Coast recipients often receive higher medians but may face state taxes. Many retirees rely on Social Security as primary income or continue working due to living-cost pressures and inflation. The AARP examined the University of Massachusetts Boston Elder Index to evaluate older adults' financial needs.
Read at Business Insider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]