Harrison Ford's $4,640 Monthly Social Security Check Illustrates the Impact of Delayed Claiming

Harrison Ford receives an estimated monthly Social Security benefit of $4,640, more than double the average retiree's payout of $2,071. This amount is the result of a strategy of delayed claiming and high consistent earnings. The Social Security Administration calculates disbursements based on a worker's top 35 earning years. Because Ford earned above the taxable income cap for decades, his income history prior to his debut in 'Star Wars' in 1977 is immaterial to his benefit amount. Ford likely waited until age 70 in 2012 to claim his benefits, when the maximum benefit benefit for someone retiring at 70 was $3,266 per month. Annual cost-of-living adjustments have since increased that amount to the current figure. Ford's check is $4,640 per month.