This Was the Average Social Security Benefit in 1984, and Here's What It Is Now

Source The Motley Fool

Social Security has been a financial lifeline for retirees for decades, but it hasn't stayed the same. If we jump back 40 years to 1984 -- when VHS tapes and cassette players were all the rage -- you'll see how much inflation has eroded purchasing power over the decades. Today's Social Security checks look a lot different to help keep up with those changes.

Person in front of laptop, taking notes.

Image source: Getty Images.

Average Social Security retirement benefit for every decade since 1984

Over the past 40 years, Social Security benefits have gotten a steady upgrade -- and it's no accident. Thanks to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) introduced in 1975, these benefits are designed to keep pace with inflation and help retirees maintain their buying power.

Some years brought big COLAs, like the 8.7% boost in 2023, while other years left retirees empty-handed with no COLA at all. Here's a look at how average monthly benefits have changed over time:

Year

Average monthly benefit for retirees

1984

$460.57

1994

$697.34

2004

$954.89

2014

$1,328.58

2024

$1,925.46*

Data source: Social Security Administration, 2024 Annual Statistical Supplement. *As of November 2024.

Back in 1984, the average monthly benefit was just $460.57 -- adding up to about $5,527 for the year. The good news? Social Security beneficiaries today are pocketing more money, even after accounting for inflation. As of November 2024, the average retired worker receives $1,925.46 per month, or about $23,106 annually. For context, $461 in monthly benefits from December 1984 would be worth about $1,381 in today's dollars, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' inflation calculator.

For 2025, the Social Security COLA is set at 2.5%, which means the average retirement benefit will go up by about $50 per month. But if you're like most retirees, you probably think that's not enough to keep up with rising costs -- at least according to a recent Motley Fool survey. That's why it's smart to plan ahead. Start exploring other sources of retirement income now, so you're not leaning too heavily on Social Security to stay afloat.

The $22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

View the "Social Security secrets" »

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD rallies to $38.40 favoured by a softer US Dollar Silver (XAG/USD) is rallying for the third consecutive day on Friday, with bulls testing July 15 highs of 38.40 at the time of writing.
Author  FXStreet
13 hours ago
Silver (XAG/USD) is rallying for the third consecutive day on Friday, with bulls testing July 15 highs of 38.40 at the time of writing.
placeholder
Cardano (ADA) Flashes Bullish Signal—Is the Rally Just Beginning?ADA is now consolidating and might attempt a clear move above the $0.8650 zone.
Author  NewsBTC
13 hours ago
ADA is now consolidating and might attempt a clear move above the $0.8650 zone.
placeholder
Asian stocks climbed following record highs with gains led by Taiwan and AustraliaOn Friday, Asian stocks rose after U.S. markets hit new highs, supported by positive economic data and mixed corporate results.
Author  Cryptopolitan
13 hours ago
On Friday, Asian stocks rose after U.S. markets hit new highs, supported by positive economic data and mixed corporate results.
placeholder
AUD/USD advances further beyond 0.6500 amid notable USD weaknessThe AUD/USD pair is building on the previous day's bounce from the vicinity of mid-0.6400s, or a three-and-a-half-week trough, and gaining strong follow-through positive traction on Friday.
Author  FXStreet
14 hours ago
The AUD/USD pair is building on the previous day's bounce from the vicinity of mid-0.6400s, or a three-and-a-half-week trough, and gaining strong follow-through positive traction on Friday.
placeholder
Pound Sterling set for third straight week of losses amid growing UK labor market concernsThe Pound Sterling (GBP) remains near an over two-month low around 1.3375 during the European trading session on Friday.
Author  FXStreet
15 hours ago
The Pound Sterling (GBP) remains near an over two-month low around 1.3375 during the European trading session on Friday.
goTop
quote