Larry Ellison's Wealth and Social Security: Despite being worth around $260 billion, Larry Ellison receives a monthly Social Security benefit of approximately $5,000 to $5,300, similar to that of an upper-middle-class worker who maxed out contributions.
Social Security Benefit Calculation: Social Security benefits are based solely on earnings subject to taxation, with a cap on taxable income, meaning that both billionaires and average workers can receive the same maximum benefits if they meet the contribution requirements.
Impact of Age on Benefits: Ellison, who is 81 years old, would receive the maximum benefit amount if he claims at the optimal age, which is around $5,108 for 2025 or $5,251 for 2026, depending on the claiming date.
Social Security as a Universal System: The Social Security system is designed to provide benefits based on work credits and earnings history, without means-testing, ensuring that even billionaires like Ellison receive benefits as long as they have paid into the system.
