Social Security calculates your monthly benefits using the 35 years when your earnings were the highest. You need to earn above the wage base limit for 35 years to be eligible for the maximum benefit.

Curious about the highest possible Social Security payment? We break down the maximum 2026 benefits by age and explain what ...

You must earn above the wage base limit for 35 years to receive the maximum Social Security benefit. Claiming benefits before or after your full retirement age decreases and increases your monthly ...