Turning 65 marks a key stage in the lives of many people in the United States. It is not only an important age on a personal level, but also from the point of view of the public benefits system and in the economy of the beneficiaries. From then on, programs such as Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits kick in, and new avenues open up for applying for additional federal and state help.
These benefits do not work in isolation. On the contrary, they are designed to cover different areas: health, basic income, food, and even transportation. Some are granted automatically upon reaching that age; others, however, require a direct application. The important thing is to know what they are, what conditions they have, and how they can be combined with each other.
Not all older people are eligible for the same programs, but there is a group of benefits that you should pay attention to once you turn 65. From basic benefits to medical coverage and access to food assistance, each one serves a specific purpose.
Social Security retirement benefits
Most people who reach the age of 65 have already heard a lot about Social Security. It is the public system that provides a monthly income to those who have worked and contributed for a sufficient part of their working life. Although it is possible to apply for it from the age of 62, many wait until 65 to get closer to the full percentage of their benefit.
The number of years you worked and your average wage during that time directly affect how much you get. To be eligible, you must have earned at least 40 work credits, which is equivalent to about 10 years of contributions. Age also matters: those who wait until age 66 or 67 can get 100% of their benefits. If they apply earlier, they will get less each month.
At age 65, therefore, many people are already collecting or considering when to apply. It is a common age to make that decision, especially since Medicare also kicks in at that age, which helps with retirement planning.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit at age 65?
Although Social Security is a common program, not everyone receives the same amount. In 2025, the maximum benefit for those retiring at full age is $4,018 per month. However, that amount is only available to those who have worked for at least 35 years with high earnings and have waited until age 66 or 67 to apply, depending on their year of birth.
Applying for payment at age 65 does not allow you to reach the maximum, as most workers have not yet reached full retirement age. Even so, you can get close to that amount if you have had a stable, well-paid career. The difference between claiming benefits at age 62, 65, or 70 can amount to hundreds of dollars per month, so choosing the right time is key.
In practice, most retirees collect a lower amount, adjusted to their historical earnings. But that doesn’t mean it’s not enough: for many people, Social Security is their main source of income and makes the difference between making ends meet and not.
What benefits can I combine with Social Security at age 65?
At age 65, in addition to Social Security, you can access other public benefits that can be received at the same time. The most relevant is Medicare, the federal health coverage program, which is automatically activated when you reach that age if you are already receiving retirement benefits. Those who have not yet applied for Social Security must enroll on their own during the initial enrollment period.
In addition, there are other forms of assistance that can be added to your monthly payment without any problem, provided that you meet the corresponding requirements:
- Medicare: basic medical coverage from age 65, including hospitalization (Part A) and doctor visits or medical services (Part B).
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): additional benefit for people with low incomes, compatible with Social Security, although adjusted according to total income. The maximum SSI benefit is $967 in 2025.
- SNAP: help with food purchases, with special conditions for people over 60, such as deductions for medical expenses.
- State assistance: may include discounts on services, public transportation, rent assistance, or tax exemptions, depending on the state.
The combination of these benefits allows many older adults to maintain some financial stability, cover their medical and food needs, and live more comfortably after age 65.
