Social Security Benefits 2027 for Retirement, Disability and Survivors (Updated October 2026)
Last updated: November 2, 2026. Figures are from the Social Security Administration's 2027 COLA Fact Sheet. Confirm details with the SSA before you act.
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Social Security pays three main kinds of monthly benefits: retirement, disability and survivor benefits. All three are based on the work record of a worker who paid Social Security taxes. After the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, the SSA estimates the average retired worker will receive about $2,170 a month in January 2027, the average disabled worker about $1,701, and the average aged widow or widower living alone about $2,005.
| Average retired worker | $2,170 a month (was $2,095) |
| Average disabled worker | $1,701 a month (was $1,642) |
| Average aged widow(er) alone | $2,005 a month (was $1,936) |
| Maximum benefit, worker retiring at full retirement age | $4,188 a month (was $4,152) |
| Earnings for one work credit | $1,970 (up to 4 credits a year) |
| Substantial gainful activity (disability) | $1,770 a month, or $2,950 if blind |
Source: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet. Average amounts are SSA estimates for benefits payable in January 2027.
Looking for something more specific? This page compares the three benefit types and who qualifies for each. For the application itself, see how to apply for retirement benefits step by step. For the needs-based program that does not require work credits, see SSI Benefits 2027.
1. How Work Credits Decide Who Qualifies
You earn Social Security credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. In 2027 you earn one credit for each $1,970 of covered earnings, and you can earn up to four credits a year. The number of credits does not set your benefit amount, but it decides whether you or your family can get benefits at all. Your benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings.
You can see your credits and earnings record in your my Social Security account. Check it every year, because missing earnings can lower every type of benefit on your record.
2. Retirement Benefits
- Who qualifies: workers with 40 credits, which is about 10 years of work.
- When: as early as age 62, with a permanently reduced monthly amount. Full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
- How much: based on your lifetime earnings and the age you start. The 2027 maximum for a worker retiring at full retirement age is $4,188 a month. Waiting past full retirement age raises your benefit up to age 70.
- Working while collecting: before full retirement age, the SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $25,560 in 2027.
Choosing a start age is the biggest decision. See when to claim Social Security at 62, full retirement age or 70 and 5 ways to maximize your Social Security benefits.
3. Disability Benefits (SSDI)
- Medical rule: you must have a disability or blindness that affects your ability to work for a year or more, or is expected to result in death.
- Earnings rule: if you keep working, your condition must limit what you earn. In 2027, earning more than $1,770 a month ($2,950 if you are blind) is generally considered substantial gainful activity, which usually means you do not qualify.
- Work history rule: generally, you must have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years. People under 24 may not need to have worked as long.
- Trying to work again: after you qualify, a trial work period lets you test work and keep benefits. In 2027 any month with earnings over $1,270 counts as a trial work month.
If you do not have enough work credits, SSI may still help if your income and resources are low. See SSI Benefits 2027.
4. Survivor Benefits
- Spouses: you may qualify at age 60 or older, or age 50 to 59 if you have a disability, if you were married at least 9 months before your spouse died and did not remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability).
- Ex-spouses: you may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- Spouses caring for a child: you might be eligible regardless of age or how long you were married if you care for a child of the person who died.
- Children: children of a worker who died may qualify, and adult children may qualify if their disability started before age 22.
- How to apply: the SSA says you cannot apply for survivor benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213.
- Dependent parents: parents age 62 or older who were financially supported by the child who died may be eligible.
5. 2027 Average Benefits by Type
| Group | Before 3.6% COLA | After 3.6% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| All retired workers | $2,095 | $2,170 |
| Aged couple, both receiving benefits | $3,238 | $3,355 |
| Widowed mother and two children | $3,932 | $4,074 |
| Aged widow(er) alone | $1,936 | $2,005 |
| Disabled worker, spouse and one or more children | $2,970 | $3,077 |
| All disabled workers | $1,642 | $1,701 |
These are averages, not guarantees. Your own amount depends on your earnings record and when you start. For how the 3.6% increase is calculated, see Social Security COLA 2027 explained.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more than one type of Social Security benefit?
If you already receive retirement or disability benefits on your own record and also qualify for survivor benefits, the SSA says you will not receive both. You get the higher amount. Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online, so call 1-800-772-1213.
Do disability benefits change at full retirement age?
Yes, in name only. When you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, and the SSA says the amount remains the same. The law does not allow both on one earnings record at the same time.
How many credits do I need for retirement?
Anyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 credits, about 10 years of work. In 2027 each credit takes $1,970 of covered earnings.
Related Guides
- How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits in 2027, Step by Step
- When to Claim Social Security at 62, Full Retirement Age or 70 (2027 Guide)
- Social Security COLA 2027 and the 3.6% Increase Explained (Updated October 2026)
- SSI Benefits 2027 With a $1,029 Monthly Payment, Eligibility and How to Apply (Updated October 2026)
Sources
- SSA: 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet
- SSA: Who can get Disability
- SSA: Who can get Survivor benefits
- SSA publication: How You Earn Credits
- SSA: Quarter of Coverage
- SSA: Substantial Gainful Activity
- SSA publication: Retirement Benefits
- Federal Register: Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2027
- SSA FAQ: Disability benefits at full retirement age
- SSA Blog: Our Survivor Benefits, Protection for Your Family
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Aid Hub is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Always apply through official .gov websites.
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