3 Steps to Claiming the $3,895 Max Monthly Social Security Benefit

Rather, the amount of money you're entitled to from Social Security is based on your specific earnings record. Now those years don't have to be consecutive, and earlier wages are adjusted to account for inflation as part of Social Security's formula. If your complete work record includes 34 years of high earnings, you might still wind up with a generous monthly benefit, but you won't be able to claim Social Security's maximum benefit.