Retired Americans on Social Security will receive an average benefit of $1,503 in 2020, a rise of 1.6% from the $1,479 in 2019. But the amounts vary by state. Here are 20 states where retirees receive the highest social security benefits.
1. Wyoming - Average Annual Benefit: $17,822
In Wyoming, a sparsely populated state, 82,101 retirees were collecting benefits averaging $1,485.18 per month in 2018. That's the same as $17,822.19 per year.
2. Illinois - Average Annual Benefit: $17,896
In Illinois, 1,590,343 retirees were collecting benefits averaging $1,491.30 per month in 2018. That works out to an average annual income of $17,895.63.
3. Arizona - Average Annual Benefit: $17,897
In Arizona, 992,575 retired workers were collecting benefits averaging $1,491.45 per month in 2018. That calculates to an average annual income of $17,897.44. Arizona is one of the states that draw a large number of retirees.
4. Rhode Island - Average Annual Benefit: $17,920
In Rhode Island, 156,598 retirees were collecting benefits averaging $1,493.31 per month, or $17,919.77 a year in 2018. Rhode Island is also one of the 13 states that tax Social Security benefits.
5. Utah - Average Annual Benefit: $18,009
In Utah, 284,754 retirees were collecting benefits averaging $1,500.79 per month or $18,009.44 a year in 2018. Utah is also among the 13 states that levy taxes on Social Security benefits.
