"The average Social Security benefit is $980 to $1,000 a month."

Not according to the people sending out the checks/payments....

"Monthly Statistical Snapshot, September 2017"

"Average monthly benefit (dollars)"

Old-Age and Survivors Insurance  $1,304.21
Retirement benefits $1,327.41
Retired workers $1,372.39

https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat_snapshot/