The important takeaway is that the average Social Security benefit continues to increase gradually over time through COLAs, even after retirement. What Social Security Covers… and What It Doesn’tSocial Security was never intended to replace all of a worker’s pre-retirement income. Making the Most of Your Social Security BenefitsThe average Social Security benefit for an 81-year-old offers a helpful benchmark, but it shouldn’t be used as a measure of whether you’re “behind” or “ahead” in retirement. How does your Social Security benefit compare with the national average, and do you think it’s enough to comfortably cover today’s retirement costs? What to Read Next90% of Americans Don’t Plan to Wait Until 70 to Claim Social SecurityAt What Age Does Social Security Stop Being Taxed?