The average retired worker receives about $2,076 per month from Social Security, meaning that married couples retiring in 2026 can receive as much as $10,362 per month. This is more than $124,000 in inflation-protected retirement income. The maximum benefit can be achieved through a combination of working at least 35 years, earning more than the Social Security taxable maximum in every year, and waiting until age 70 to start collecting Social Security benefits. To reach this maximum amount, both the individual and the retired couple must perform these tasks.