EmirMemedovski / Getty Images Social Security benefits can supplement your income from retirement savings, but the average check amount varies from person to person and state to state. Key Takeaways The average retired worker received $1,975 in monthly Social Security benefits in 2024. Retirees in Connecticut have the highest monthly Social Security checks, averaging $2,196, while those in Mississippi have the lowest at $1,814. About 69 million Americans collect Social Security, totaling $1.6 trilli ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant achievements of China's economy during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing its resilience and contributions to global economic growth [1][3]. Economic Growth - Over the past five years, China's economic increment is expected to exceed 35 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%, surpassing the global average [3]. - China's contribution to global economic growth has remained around 30% annually, establishing it as a stable anchor for the world economy [3]. Innovation - National R&D investment has increased by nearly 50% compared to the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan," with R&D intensity approaching the OECD average [4]. - China ranks 10th in the global innovation index and has maintained the largest number of R&D personnel in the world for several years [4]. Industrial Transformation - The manufacturing sector is projected to contribute an additional 8 trillion yuan during the "14th Five-Year Plan," maintaining over 30% of global manufacturing growth [5]. - China continues to lead in the production of over 220 major industrial products, with significant advancements in AI and innovative pharmaceuticals [5]. Green Development - China has made substantial progress in environmental quality, with the fastest improvement in air quality and the largest increase in forest resources globally [6]. - By mid-2025, the installed capacity of renewable energy has surpassed that of coal, with 368.9 million new energy vehicles and nearly 16.7 million charging facilities, both ranking first in the world [6]. Trade and Global Cooperation - During the "14th Five-Year Plan," China's goods trade volume has remained the largest globally, with service trade expected to exceed 1 trillion USD for the first time in 2024 [8]. - High-tech products account for nearly 20% of exports, with significant growth in electronic information and high-end equipment sectors [8]. Infrastructure Development - China has established the world's largest networks of highways, high-speed rail, and ports, while also rapidly expanding new infrastructure in computing and smart cities [9]. - The computing power scale has grown at an annual rate of 30% over the past five years, with major nodes accounting for about 70% of the national total [9]. Agricultural Strength - China has achieved 21 consecutive years of grain production growth, with a target of 1.4 trillion jin by 2024, ensuring food security [10]. - The country has built over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, with a mechanization rate exceeding 74% for major crops [10]. Social Welfare - By mid-2025, the per capita disposable income reached 21,840 yuan, reflecting a nominal growth of 5.3% [11]. - China has developed the largest education, social security, and healthcare systems globally, with a basic pension insurance coverage exceeding 95% [11].

Group 1 - The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing significant delays in processing disability insurance claims, with some individuals waiting over six months for responses [2][5] - Approximately 10,000 individuals die each year while waiting for their disability determinations, highlighting the urgency of the situation [3] - The SSA's staffing levels have not changed in 27 years, contributing to a "customer service crisis" as nearly 10,000 baby boomers retire daily, increasing the demand for services [4][5] Group 2 - Inflation-related concerns are affecting retirees, as the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) are not keeping pace with the real financial pressures faced by many Americans [5] - Younger investors are encouraged to start saving for retirement early, and consulting a financial advisor is recommended as a proactive step [6]