I think folks are getting confused.
Your SS Statement will indicate the "maximum monthly benefits" YOU can receive. That max is based on your income and age. It is based on you working until that age AT the income you are currently receiving. Each person's maximum monthly benefits is different.
If you choose to stop working early (even if you don't claim SS early), the monthly benefit you receive will be less than the maximum monthly benefit on the statement - because they have estimated your future max under the premise that you will continue to work until that age. If you choose to claim SS early (or as disabled), you will receive less than the maximum monthly benefit on the statement. How much less is dependent upon your full retirement age and the age you start claiming SS. For me, my monthly benefit at 62 will be 70% of my monthly benefit at 67.
There may be a "maximum monthly benefit allowed" since there is a max amount of income subject to SS tax. I've never paid attention to it, as I am nowhere near at max income.
There is no total cap on how many monthly benefits you receive. As long as you are alive, you will continue to get your monthly benefits. There is no total cap on how much money your monthly benefits add up to - as long as you are alive, you will continue to get your monthly benefits.
