what is the maximum you can pay into social security
Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings or half of your spouseâs benefits -- whichever is higher -- if you retire at full retirement age (currently 66). For a worker retiring at age 66 in 2012, the maximum benefit is currently $2,513 per month. If both you and your spouse earned the maximum amount that counts every year ($110,100 in 2012, but just $16,500 in 1977), you could each receive the maximum monthly benefits. See the Maximum Taxable Earnings table for each yearâs limits. Taking benefits earlier or later can affect the payout amounts.