December 2024 SSA data shows retired women drawing benefits on their own work records received $1,780 a month on average, versus $2,181 for men — a $401 monthly gap.
Lifetime earnings drive the difference because Social Security uses the same formula for all workers; lower pay, caregiving-related career breaks and earlier claiming age leave many women with smaller checks.
The gap can carry outsized effects in retirement, with women often relying on benefits for longer and facing tighter budgets for housing, healthcare, insurance and daily expenses.
For future retirees, the figures underscore the need to pair Social Security with 401(k)s, IRAs and personal savings rather than depend on government benefits alone.