Women Receive $401 Less in Monthly Social Security Than Men, Widening $4,800 Annual Gap
Updated
Updated · chshyd.in · Jul 12
Women Receive $401 Less in Monthly Social Security Than Men, Widening $4,800 Annual Gap
3 articles · Updated · chshyd.in · Jul 12
Summary
December 2024 Social Security data show retired women drawing benefits on their own work records received $1,780 a month on average, versus $2,181 for men.
The $401 monthly shortfall reflects lower lifetime earnings rather than different benefit formulas, because Social Security payments are tied directly to workers’ earnings histories.
Claiming age also weighs on women’s checks: those who file before full retirement age lock in permanently reduced benefits, and women claim earlier more often than men.
Social Security remains a major income source for older Americans—especially women, who tend to live longer—so the gap can directly squeeze housing, healthcare and daily spending in retirement.
The figures underscore a broader retirement-security problem, reinforcing advisers’ push for workplace plans, personal savings and long-term investments beyond Social Security.