In 2025, millions of retirees in the United States are receiving financial relief. The federal government applied a 2.5% increase to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This adjustment, known as COLA, aims to help beneficiaries keep their purchasing power in the face of inflation.
The maximum SSI payment rose to $967 for individuals, and married couples can receive up to $1,450. In addition, people considered "essential" can now collect up to $484 per month. Although it's not a huge change, for many it means a noticeable difference.
The state that pays best: New Jersey
Not all states pay the same; in fact, there are clear differences depending on where you live. At the top of the list is New Jersey, with an average monthly payment of $1,708 per beneficiary.
New Jersey is the state that pays the most | Getty Images, alphaspirit.it
The reason? Its residents have historically had higher incomes. That translates into greater contributions to the Social Security system and, consequently, better benefits upon retirement.
The state has approximately 1.65 million beneficiaries and distributes about $2.82 billion each month in payments. In addition, the high cost of living in the region makes these higher amounts especially necessary.
Other notable states
Although New Jersey leads, other states also offer generous benefits:
Connecticut: with an average of $1,706 per month, it stays very close. Its high salaries and good support programs place it among the best places to retire.
Delaware: despite having a smaller population, it ranks well with average payments of up to $1,694. Its favorable environment for retirees helps a lot.
Maryland: with a well-paid workforce, it provides benefits of $1,648 per month. It also has good services for older adults.
Washington: closes the top 5 with an average of $1,630 monthly. Here, stable economic policies and a high standard of living play a key role.
Social Security payments are not the same for everyone | Getty Images Signature, Getty Images Pro
What influences Social Security payments
Social Security payments aren't the same for everyone. Some factors determine how much each person receives:
Work history: The government calculates your benefits by considering your 35 years of highest earnings. The more you earn, the more you receive.
State support: Some states offer supplements to SSI. This helps improve the monthly income of those who receive this type of assistance.
Cost of living: In areas where everything costs more, such as housing or healthcare, benefits are usually higher.
