The average Social Security payment in the U.S. hovers around $2,000, although the amount you'll receive depends largely on your work history and how much you've earned in benefits, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit formula. If$2,000 a month doesn't quite cut it for you, there are steps you can take to raise your benefits. If you're still working, maximizing your benefits involves one of the three most common approaches. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just ...