The size of that benefit check will also depend on wage inflation. This year’s top monthly benefit at 66, or full retirement age (which is the benchmark the agency uses), is $2,663 ($31,956 a year). By contrast, the average Social Security payout is a more modest $1,287 ($15,444 a year). If you wait until age 70 to claim, delayed retirement credits will boost your payment to $3,515 in today’s dollars ($42,182 a year).