About 77% of U.S. retirees rely on Social Security, but the payment amounts vary significantly by state.
A Bankrate survey, cited by CNBC, shows that Connecticut has the highest average payments, while Mississippi has the lowest.
Here’s a Closer Look at How Each State Compares:
- Connecticut Has the Highest Payments
Retirees in Connecticut receive the highest average monthly payment at $2,114. New Jersey follows closely at $2,110, with Delaware at $2,090.
- Mississippi Has the Lowest Payments
Mississippi retirees receive the lowest average benefit at $1,756. Louisiana ($1,759) and Arkansas ($1,790) are also near the bottom.
- Moderate Payments in the Midwest
Midwest states show moderate payment levels: Illinois ($1,934), Indiana ($1,966), Iowa ($1,921), Kansas ($1,982), Michigan ($1,997), Minnesota ($2,016), Missouri ($1,869), Nebraska ($1,937), North Dakota ($1,856), Ohio ($1,858), South Dakota ($1,848), and Wisconsin ($1,957).
- Southern States See Lower Payments
Southern states generally report below-average payments, including Alabama ($1,856), Georgia ($1,859), Kentucky ($1,803), North Carolina ($1,909), South Carolina ($1,926), Tennessee ($1,890), Texas ($1,865), Virginia ($1,985), and West Virginia ($1,839).
- Western States Show Mixed Results
Payments in Western states vary widely. Alaska ($1,837), Arizona ($1,949), California ($1,866), Colorado ($1,958), Hawaii ($1,908), Idaho ($1,880), Montana ($1,817), Nevada ($1,843), New Mexico ($1,799), Oregon ($1,918), Utah ($1,988), Washington ($2,022), and Wyoming ($1,950) reflect this variation.
- Northeastern States Rank Among the Highest
Northeastern states tend to have higher payments. Connecticut ($2,114), Delaware ($2,090), Maine ($1,816), Maryland ($2,054), Massachusetts ($2,003), New Hampshire ($2,094), New Jersey ($2,110), New York ($1,951), Pennsylvania ($1,979), Rhode Island ($1,972), and Vermont ($1,961) are among the highest.
- Southeastern States at the Lower End
Florida ($1,894), Louisiana ($1,759), Mississippi ($1,756), and Arkansas ($1,790) are among the lowest in the nation.
Payment Amounts Depend on Work and Income History
Social Security benefits are influenced by factors such as your earnings history, the age you begin claiming benefits, and how long you worked.
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