Jul 30, 2026

Social Security Cuts: Retirees in these 15 States will Lose More Than $500 a Month in Benefits

Social Security recipients could see their monthly checks slashed by more than one-fifth beginning in 2033.

A recent update from the Social Security Administration (SSA) projected that the OASI fund will “become depleted” in the fourth quarter of 2032. When that happens, Social Security’s income from payroll taxes would only be able to fund 78% of the benefits.

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Analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) projected that a 22% cut will cause a “typical, newly retiring dual-earning couple” to lose $16,900 in annual benefits at the start of 2033.

That’s a big loss of income no matter where you live. But the financial pain will be a lot worse in some states than others.

Here’s a look at 15 states where retirees could see their Social Security payments slashed by more than $500 a month – and how you can offset the loss.

15 States Where Cuts Will Hit the Hardest

Based on the CRFB report, here are 15 states where retirees will face the biggest average cuts to their monthly payments beginning in 2033 (these are also states with the highest average Social Security payments):

Connecticut: $556 per month
New Jersey: $554
New Hampshire: $554
Delaware: $549
Maryland: $541
Washington: $531
Minnesota: $530
Massachusetts: $527
Michigan: $523
Utah: $523
Virginia: $522
Kansas: $520
Pennsylvania: $519
Rhode Island: $519
Vermont: $516

How to Offset a Lower Check

Retirees and future retirees anxious about the prospect of lower Social Security payments can take proactive steps to help make up the difference.

If you haven’t filed for benefits yet, the best way to ensure the biggest check possible is by waiting until age 70 to file. This can increase your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars vs. claiming at age 62, which is the earliest age you can file.

An analysis by Fidelity found that for a typical Social Security recipient, waiting until age 70 to file can increase monthly benefits by more than 77% and lifetime benefits by more than 24%.

If you’ve already filed for Social Security, here are other steps you can take:

“Reset” your benefits. This move lets you pause your benefits and increase your monthly payment later on. There are two basic options, according to Fidelity. First, you can cancel or withdraw your benefits application and reapply later. Or you can use a “claim, suspend, restart” strategy when you reach full retirement age, which lets you voluntarily suspend your benefit and restart it at a later date.

Get a side gig or part-time job. As of 2024, 38% of Americans age 65 and older worked part-time, according to Labor Department data cited by AARP. A collaboration between AARP and Indeed offers a job hub for older workers that lets you match your skills and experience to available positions across numerous professions.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Vance Cariaga

Vance previously worked as a reporter/editor with Investor's Business Daily, the Charlotte Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer and other publications. His debut novel, "Voodoo Hideaway," was published in 2021.

Edited by

Angela Corry

Angela is a seasoned personal finance editor with deep expertise in economic trends, government programs and financial markets. As managing editor, she leads a team of high-performing writers and editors, shaping smart, accessible coverage that helps readers make confident money decisions. Previously, Angela held senior editorial roles at TheCelebrityCafe.com and Inquisitr.com, where she managed large distributed teams and built data-driven content strategies across a variety of news genres. When she’s not editing, Angela runs a homemade jam side business, experimenting with seasonal flavors and selling small-batch preserves at local markets and craft fairs.