Lets say you receive the maximum social security benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age in 2021 3148 per month 12 your spouse receives half as much or 1574 a month. If the unexpected happens social security may be able to help we pay disability benefits to those who cant work because they have a medical condition thats expected to last at least one year or result in death find out how social security can help you and how you can manage your benefits learn more. Benefits to dependents are subject to a maximum monthly retirement and survivor payout from social security to the family as a whole this total figure is based on the workers own monthly payment. As you work you also earn social security work credits these credits are necessary to receive retirement benefits in 2020 you receive one work credit for every 1410 you earn up to a maximum of 4 credits per year to receive retirement benefits you must have 40 work credits or a minimum of 10 years work