The maximum monthly Social Security benefit payment for a person applying in 2017 at full or normal retirement age is $2,687. However, the maximum allowable benefit amount is only payable to those who had the maximum taxable earnings for at least 35 working years. Depending on when you retire and how much you made while working, your benefits may be considerably less. The estimated average monthly benefit for "all retired workers" in 2017 is $1,360.  Source.