If you're planning for retirement, it’s likely you've considered how much you will lean on Social Security. For millions of Americans, Social Security represents the foundation of their retirement income.
That means getting a bigger Social Security check is a top priority for many folks.
The good news is that the right strategy can help you wring every possible dollar from Social Security. Here are some of the most effective strategies for boosting your income from the program.
Work at least 35 years
Although you might be eligible for Social Security benefits after working just 10 years, working longer can lead to a bigger check. The size of your benefit is based on the average of your 35 highest-earning years.
If you did not earn income and pay Social Security taxes for a full 35 years, your record will show zeros for each year that didn’t qualify. That brings down your lifetime earnings and usually results in a smaller Social Security benefit.
So, working longer helps you stretch your Social Security income.
Pursue a high-earning career
Up to a certain point, the more you earn during your working years, the higher your benefit is likely to be once you are ready to tap into Social Security.
Of course, in addition to boosting your Social Security benefits, earning more also gives you the chance to save a bit extra for retirement.
Delay your benefits
It’s possible to collect a Social Security check as early as age 62. But filing for Social Security early will reduce the size of your monthly check.
For some people — particularly those with health conditions that might shorten their lifespan or those who simply need the money now — claiming early can make sense. But for many others, it can pay to wait until full retirement age or beyond to start receiving Social Security.
Full retirement age varies depending on when you were born. For example, those born in 1960 or later will not reach full retirement age until age 67.
If you are willing and able to delay claiming benefits beyond your full retirement age, the size of your monthly benefit will increase for each year you wait through age 70.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Take spousal benefits, but delay your own
If you are married but don’t have enough working credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefit, you might qualify for spousal benefits. A spousal benefit equals up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit.
In marriages where a spouse was born before Jan. 2, 1954, it's possible for the spouse to claim spousal benefits and let their own benefit continue to grow up through age 70. At that point, the spouse can switch to the higher individual benefit.
Structure your income so you won't owe Social Security taxes
Many households earn enough income in retirement that a portion of their Social Security benefit becomes taxable. That reduces the amount of Social Security income that actually finds its way into their pocket.
It can pay off to sit down with a financial advisor and discuss whether there are ways to bring down your income and reduce or eliminate taxes on your Social Security benefit.
Trending Stories
Look for mistakes on your Social Security earnings history
The income you earn over a lifetime has a big impact on your Social Security benefits. But after decades in the workforce, it’s possible for your Social Security statement to contain errors.
A mistake could lead to a lower benefit. So, sign up for your own account at the Social Security website and review your earnings history to make sure everything is accurate.
Apply for survivor benefits
If your spouse or ex-spouse died, you might be eligible for survivor benefits. If they were eligible for a higher benefit than you, applying could help grow your Social Security check.
Suspend your benefit
If you decide that you took your Social Security benefit too early, you can choose to suspend the benefit temporarily. The suspension will likely increase the size of your benefit when you reinstate it later.
The rules for suspending your benefit can be a bit complicated, and you might have to pay back all the money you earned to date through Social Security. So, while this is not necessarily an easy process, it can be lucrative.
Find a financial advisor who understands Social Security
Social Security can be confusing. If you find your options — and the decisions that come with them — overwhelming, look for help from a financial advisor who understands the Social Security system.
The right advisor can help you make the most of your benefit.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Continue to work later into life
As mentioned above, your Social Security benefit is calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you continue to work later into life, you might be able to boost the size of your check over time.
For example, if you only have 25 years in the workforce, staying on the job another 10 years can help you replace 10 years of zeros with actual income. That helps boost your benefit.
And if you are earning a lot of money toward the end of your career, continuing to work a little longer could significantly increase the size of your Social Security check and help you get ahead financially.
Bottom line
As you prepare for retirement and gear up for claiming your Social Security check, a little bit of strategy can go a long way.
Take the time to get familiar with the details of your situation. Then, take some of the steps on this list to increase the odds that you will get the most out of your benefits.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.