Many retirees rely on Social Security as a primary source of retirement income, but it may not be enough for many.Credit: MoMo Productions / Getty Images What You Need to Know The average monthly Social Security benefit for men was $2,282.28 as of December 2025. Social Security benefits are based on a worker's 35 highest-earning years. People typically have to work at least 10 years to be eligible. Delaying Social Security past full retirement age increases benefits by 8% every year until age 70. ...