4 Key Signs Your Social Security Check Might Be Smaller Than You Thought

mphillips007 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Whether you’re currently joining the 71.6 million qualifying Americans who are currently receiving Social Security benefits, or will be among them in the future, you may want to start estimating how much you’ll receive each month. Having this steady source of income during retirement can provide you with some relief, knowing you’ll have money coming in to help pay expenses. 

However, there are several reasons why you may be surprised (or even disappointed) that your Social Security payments are smaller than you expected.

Your Earnings Weren’t Great

How much you earn throughout your working years plays a huge role in how much you’ll receive in Social Security benefits. That’s because a portion of the tax typically goes towards Social Security. The less you pay, the less you’ll receive in benefits. 

You’re Still Working

You can claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62 and still work, but it could cost you if you earn over the income threshold set by the Social Security Administration. As of 2025, if you earn over $23,400, $1 of your paycheck will be deducted for every $2 you earn over that amount. 

If you’ve reached full retirement age (typically 67 years old), the income threshold goes up to $62,160. Then, your paycheck will be $1 less for every additional $3 you earn. 

You Took Your Benefits Early

Although you can claim Social Security benefits starting at age 62, your monthly paychecks will be smaller by a certain percentage. For example, if you were born after 1960, your benefit could be 30% lower than if you were to claim benefits starting at age 67, your full retirement age.

For example, if you expected to receive $2,500 in monthly benefits, your paycheck could go down to $1,750 per month, a $800 a month difference. 

Some may opt to delay taking their benefits until age 70, when the monthly paychecks could be higher. You’ll receive 8% added to your initial benefit amount each full year you delay taking Social Security benefits.

Say you decide to start taking Social Security checks at age 68. Using the previous example, your paycheck could go up to $2,700 each month, or an additional $200. 

You Worked Less Than 35 Years

 The Social Security Administration calculates the amount you’ll receive based on your highest 35 years of earnings. It will average your earnings and use a complex formula to come up with your payments at your full retirement age.

For instance, if you decide to retire or take time off between careers, there may be some earning years where the income on record is $0. This will affect how much you will receive because having no income will bring down the average. 

The less you’ve worked, the more zero-income years will be factored into your average and could mean a much smaller Social Security paycheck. 

Share This Article: