10 States That Receive the Least Social Security

Do you think Alaska or Wyoming receives less?

By John Csiszar Aug 11, 2022 Social Security 101

The average Social Security beneficiary received $1,657 in monthly benefits as of January 2022. However, many recipients received much more or much less. The length of time you wait until you file for Social Security, along with the amount you earn during your working career, are the two primary factors in the size of your Social Security payout, with the maximum possible benefit reaching $4,194.

To see how benefits vary by state, GOBankingRates used data from the Social Security Administration regarding the number of Social Security benefits in each state along with the total benefits paid. For purposes of this review, only Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance, or OASDI, was included. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was not considered. States are ranked so that the state receiving the least amount of Social Security ranked No. 1. Check out which states receive the least Social Security.

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10. Maine

Total Social Security Received: $477.65 million
Total Number of Recipients: 355,433

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9. Hawaii

Total Social Security Received: $410.83 million
Total Number of Recipients: 282,623

8. Delaware

Total Social Security Received: $352.44 million
Total Number of Recipients: 224,617

7. Montana

Total Social Security Received: $336.66 million
Total Number of Recipients: 244,937

6. Rhode Island

Total Social Security Received: $335.23 million
Total Number of Recipients: 230,018

5. South Dakota

Total Social Security Received: $257.57 million
Total Number of Recipients: 185,752

4. Vermont

Total Social Security Received: $225.15 million
Total Number of Recipients: 156,005

3. North Dakota

Total Social Security Received: $192.52 million
Total Number of Recipients: 138,461

2. Wyoming

Total Social Security Received: $174.48 million
Total Number of Recipients: 118,420

1. Alaska

Total Social Security Received: $148.35 million
Total Number of Recipients: 107,982

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About the Author

John Csiszar

After earning a B.A. in English with a Specialization in Business from UCLA, John Csiszar worked in the financial services industry as a registered representative for 18 years. Along the way, Csiszar earned both Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Adviser designations, in addition to being licensed as a life agent, while working for both a major Wall Street wirehouse and for his own investment advisory firm. During his time as an advisor, Csiszar managed over $100 million in client assets while providing individualized investment plans for hundreds of clients.