Retirement Social Security

Social Security's Little-Known 'Do-Over' Option Can Boost Your Monthly Payments

Some retirees have more flexibility than they realize.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Feb. 11, 2026

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Retirees may assume that once they start collecting Social Security benefits, their monthly check is set in stone. In reality, a handful of lesser-known rules can still move that number higher, even after claiming.

As of January 2026, the average monthly Social Security benefit is about $2,071, reflecting the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for the year. While benefit formulas include hard limits, there are strategic ways to improve lifetime payouts if you understand how the system works.

Some of these options may require short-term sacrifices or careful planning, but they can pay off over time for retirees focused on maximizing income.

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Retract your initial Social Security claim within 12 months

Social Security allows a one-time "do-over" for people who claimed benefits and quickly realized they acted too soon. If you are within 12 months of your original filing date, you may withdraw your application and effectively reset your claiming decision. This option requires repaying all benefits received so far, including payments to spouses or dependents on your record.

After repayment, your benefit is recalculated as if you never claimed in the first place. That opens the door to higher monthly checks later, especially if you delay until full retirement age (FRA) or beyond. The repayment requirement makes this option impractical for some households, but for those who can manage it, the long-term payoff can be meaningful.

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Boost your income by getting a side hustle

Earning more income can still increase future Social Security payments, even after you have claimed benefits. Any wages or self-employment income you earn and pay Social Security taxes on are added to your earnings record. If those earnings replace lower-earning years in your calculation, your monthly benefit can rise over time.

A flexible side hustle can also provide immediate cash flow, helping retirees cover expenses without drawing down savings. In addition, extra income may allow continued contributions to IRAs or other retirement accounts. The key is ensuring that earnings are reported correctly so they count toward your benefit formula.

Continue to work to replace lower-earning years in your 35-year record

Social Security benefits are calculated using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. If you have fewer than 35 years of work, zeros are included in the calculation, lowering your average. Even with a full work history, lower-earning years can drag down your benefit.

Continuing to work can replace those lower years with higher ones, which increases your average indexed monthly earnings. Each replacement may result in a modest boost, but over time the effect can add up. The Social Security Administration automatically recalculates benefits when new earnings are reported.

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Wait to claim Social Security until at least full retirement age

For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. Claiming before that age permanently reduces monthly benefits, while waiting until FRA eliminates early-claim penalties. For retirees who can afford to wait, delaying can significantly improve long-term income.

Beyond FRA, benefits increase by about 8% per year until age 70 due to delayed retirement credits. This increase stops at 70, but the higher payment lasts for life. Delaying works best for those with longer life expectancies, while individuals with health concerns may prioritize earlier access to benefits.

Other ways to save for retirement alongside Social Security

Social Security is designed to replace only a portion of pre-retirement income, which makes personal savings essential. Employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s allow pre-tax contributions and often include matching funds. Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement, which can help manage future tax bills.

Federal employees and service members may use the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), while some workers still have access to increasingly rare pensions. Combining these income sources reduces reliance on Social Security alone. A diversified approach gives retirees more flexibility as expenses change over time.

Bottom line

Social Security may feel fixed once you claim it, but the system includes several levers that can still increase lifetime benefits. Claim withdrawals, delayed credits, continued work, and benefit suspension all offer ways to reshape future income if used carefully.

With the average benefit hovering near $2,071 per month, even small increases can add up over decades. Understanding these options can help you keep more cash in your wallet while building a more resilient retirement income strategy.

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