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Social Security plays an important role in the retirement security of many Americans. But even for upper-class people, the benefit amount is not necessarily sufficient.
On average, retired workers in the 90th percentile of monthly Social Security benefits receive $3,050, while the average retiree receives $1,937, according to 2024 data.
For some, this may be close enough, especially if you combine checks with a partner receiving the same amount. Only 3% of retirees spend $7,000+ per month, According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) survey.
But for others, depending on your specific benefits and lifestyle, Social Security may need to be significantly supplemented with other retirement income sources.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at what Social Security benefits might be for an upper-class retiree at age 81.
Calculating Social Security Benefits at Age 81
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specify the higher tier of benefits at age 81, we can estimate this number by looking at various SSA datasets.
For example, people aged 80–89 in the 90th percentile of Social Security benefits receive $2,849 per month, compared to the average benefit for this age group of $1,939. This means that the 90th percentile in this age group are achieving 46.9% more than the average.
Note that these averages include some other types of Social Security benefits, such as spousal benefits, but they probably primarily reflect retirement benefits, given that the averages are close to data for retired workers regardless of age.
separate ssa data The average retiree benefit for each year of age shows that an 81-year-old receives approximately $2,004 per month. So, applying the same 46.9% benefit increase means upper-class 81-year-olds receive about $2,944 per month in Social Security benefits.
Granted, the average may be slightly higher in coming years, adjusting for cost of living and the fact that younger workers (eventually age 81) generally have higher incomes over the course of their careers.
Maximizing Your Retirement Income
If you don’t think you’ll get that much in Social Security benefits, or you want to try to get more, consider factors like the age at which you claim benefits.
one 2025 schroders survey found that 44% of people plan to apply for Social Security benefits before age 67, which is full retirement age for people born in 1960 or later. Claiming earlier reduces your benefits. Additionally, only 10% plan to wait until age 70 to claim.
Waiting until age 70 to claim maximizes your Social Security check, but you still need to consider whether you’d prefer to receive some Social Security income before age 70.
CPA and owner John Adams said, “The average person should look at all of their income sources to determine when it is best to claim Social Security. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.” Bridgewater Tax and Financial Consulting.
Also, consider other retirement income sources beyond Social Security. The way you save, invest and plan withdrawals from your retirement accounts can make a big difference in whether your Social Security check feels like a nice bonus versus a necessity.
“Working with a financial professional can help you determine your optimal withdrawal strategy. The goal is to maintain a steady income stream during retirement that provides you with a lifestyle you can maintain,” Adams said.