The maximum benefit depends on the age at which a worker chooses to retire. The amount for 2007 for a person retiring at full retirement age (65 years and 10 months) is $2,116. This is based on earnings at the maximum taxable amount for every year after age 21. You can see the maximum amount of taxable earnings for each year at Contribution and Benefit Base.

If a husband and wife retire, each receives his or her own benefit amount. Social Security imposes no "marriage penalty" when two members of a couple are each entitled on their own earnings record. You can file for retirement benefits online.