Social Security Benefits Calculator

Do you wonder how much you might receive in Social Security? Use this calculator to help you estimate your Social Security benefits. Remember, this is only an estimate. Your actual benefits may vary depending on your actual work history and income. Want something a little more accurate? Request a statement from the Social Security Administration.

Instructions:

For an estimated benefit from Social Security,

  • Enter your current age
  • Enter your projected retirement age. Not sure what your normal retirement age is? Visit the Social Security Administration website.
  • Enter your current annual salary under "household income." Include your spouse's income if you are married.
  • Estimate a percentage amount for your future salary increases
  • Estimate an expected rate of inflation. If unsure, use 3.1%.
  • If you are married, check this box

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Definitions

Social Security income
Social Security is based on a sliding scale depending on your income, how long you work and at what age you retire. Social Security benefits can automatically increase each year based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. Including a spouse increases your Social Security benefits up to, but not over, the maximum. This calculator provides only an estimate of your benefits. Your actual benefit may be higher or lower depending on your work history and the complete compensation rules used by Social Security.

Current age
Your current age.

Age of retirement
Age you desire to retire.

Household income
Your total household income. If you are married, this should include your spouse's income.

Expected salary increase
Annual percent increase you expect in your household income.

Expected rate of inflation
What you expect for the average long-term inflation rate. A common measure of inflation in the U.S. is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has a long-term average of 3.1% annually, from 1925 through 2004.

Are you married?
Check this box if you are married. Married couples have a higher maximum Social Security benefit than single wage earners.

Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We can not and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.