New Jersey Among 5 States Paying Highest Social Security Payments in 2025

Race Day Live – Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payouts will be adjusted in 2025 to reflect a 2.5% cost-of-living increase (COLA). This increase brings the maximum monthly federal SSI payout to $967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples, and $484 for essential persons.

However, there are fluctuations between states due to state-specific supplements, average benefit levels, and cost-of-living changes.

Here’s a closer look at the state-by-state breakdown of average Social Security benefits, including which state leads the way.

States with the highest average Social Security payments.
While the federal limit for SSI is set, average Social Security benefit levels differ depending on beneficiaries’ demographics, employment history, and additional state supplements.

The following are the states with the highest average Social Security payments:

1. New Jersey.

• Average payment: $1,708.
• Beneficiaries: 1,652,973.
• Total Benefits Distributed: $2.82 billion.
• New Jersey has the highest average Social Security benefit in the country, thanks to greater average earnings and contributions from beneficiaries before retirement.

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2. Connecticut

• Average payment: $1,706.
• Beneficiaries: 699,597.
• Total Benefits Distributed: $1.19 billion.
• Connecticut’s high average benefit is due in part to the state’s strong income base and retiree-friendly legislation.

3. Delaware

• Average payment: $1,694.
• Total number of beneficiaries: 229,047. Distributed: $387.9 million.
• Delaware offers large benefits per beneficiary, ensuring that retirees enjoy a pleasant support system.

4. Maryland

• Average payment: $1,648.
• Beneficiaries: 1,038,041.
• Total Benefits Distributed: $1.71 billion.
• Beneficiaries in Maryland enjoy generous Social Security benefits, reflecting the state’s higher-than-average salaries.

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5. Washington

• Average payment: $1,630.
• Beneficiaries: 1,413,306.
• Total Benefits Distribution: $2.30 billion.
• Washington’s average payment reflects the state’s progressive economic and retirement policies.

State Variations in Social Security Benefits

The disparities in average Social Security benefits between states are caused by numerous factors, including:

• Earnings History: States with greater average incomes likely to have larger Social Security benefits.
• State Supplements: Some states provide supplemental SSI payments to supplement the federal levels.
• Cost of Living: In states with higher living costs, Social Security benefits may indicate a greater need for financial stability.

Maximizing Social Security Benefits.

To maximize Social Security benefits, individuals can:

• Work longer hours and earn more income to boost their lifetime contributions.
• Delay claiming benefits until you reach full retirement age or later to obtain delayed retirement credits.
• Consider moving to a state with advantageous tax rules for retirees.

Also Read – Up to $967! Social Security Recipients to Get Payments This Week

As new Social Security and SSI benefit amounts become available in 2025, states such as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware will lead the nation in average payments. These benefits are critical to the financial security of people and families that rely on Social Security.

Understanding these variations, whether through optimizing personal benefits or investigating states with higher averages, can assist beneficiaries in making informed decisions regarding their retirement and financial future.

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