How Big Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Social Security Check?

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., often referred to as RFK Jr., is the son of the late-U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of America’s 35th president, John F. Kennedy. He has worn many hats, including environmental lawyer, author and currently the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

With a well-known last name like Kennedy, you would expect not only an involvement in politics but also a pretty healthy net worth. In other words, someone who is more worried about forming the policies around Social Security rather than claiming the benefits. Still, RFK Jr. is eligible to receive those benefits if he chooses. So, just how big could his Social Security check be?

Does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Claim Social Security?

It’s not publicly known whether RFK Jr. is currently collecting Social Security benefits, but a closer look at his income can provide some insight into what his benefits might look like.

In the past two years, RFK Jr. has received six-figure endorsements and book deals largely due to his high-powered political position. This made him at least $12 million in total income, according to new personal financial disclosure forms. Kennedy also holds a tremendous amount of wealth across various investment funds, bank accounts and real estate properties totaling between an estimated $8.6 million and $33.4 million. 

However, ABC News reported that he also reported between $3.4 million and $12.7 million in liabilities, which could put him in the red or at least put his finances in a more precarious position. This includes $1.2 million in credit card debt to American Express at a 23% revolving interest rate and three 30-year mortgages worth up to $10.5 million, according to the filing.

Due to his high lifetime earnings, he is eligible for the maximum monthly benefit, which was $4,873 when he turned 70 back in January of 2024. For perspective, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age (67 in 2026) will be $4,152. For those who claim at age 62, the maximum is $2,969 per month, while those who wait until age 70 can receive up to $5,181 per month. 

Impossible To Say on the Social Security Matter

There’s no denying that Kennedy and family are rich, but we’re no closer to knowing whether or not Kennedy Jr. collects Social Security checks.

Most individuals who pay into the Social Security system are entitled to claim benefits, regardless of their income. However, some very wealthy individuals simply forgo collecting Social Security altogether, feeling they don’t need the added income — or that it would be socially irresponsible to claim the benefit.

Whether that is the case with Kennedy Jr., we can only speculate at this time. If he is getting Social Security checks, they are significant.

With an estimated net worth of $30 million and income streams galore, RFK Jr. would certainly be receiving the maximum monthly benefit if he had started claiming Social Security benefits when he turned 70, or any time after. This assumes he earned the maximum pay contributing to Social Security for 35 years.

David Nadelle contributed to the reporting of this article.

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