Retirement Social Security

8 Social Security Loopholes That Could Boost Your Monthly Check

Simple steps can put more money in your pocket during retirement.

By Curt Fiers

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated July 15, 2025

Once you reach retirement age, Social Security benefits offer a critical lifeline. All that money you've put into the system will finally pay off. While these benefits often aren't enough for full financial security, there are Social Security loopholes that can put more money in your pocket.

The unfortunate truth is that 11% of beneficiaries would not have enough income to replace their checks if they were delayed for a month. Whether you fall into this category or not, supplementing your benefits can provide financial security.

The following sections provide actionable steps you can take as you create your retirement plan to add hundreds of dollars to your monthly benefits.

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1. Time your claim around COLA increases

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) apply even before a person files for benefits. This means you can time your filing strategically so your initial benefit will include that increase. For instance, envision a scenario where a 3% cost-of-living adjustment goes into effect in January. If you wait to claim benefits until after it takes effect, this could bump up your monthly checks permanently.

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2. Take advantage of additional benefits if you have dependents

If you have minor children or dependents and claim benefits, your youngsters may also qualify for payments. This could be up to 50% of your benefit per child. This can be incredibly useful for older parents who have kids or dependents who have a disability. While these payments may not technically be "yours," they can raise your household income so everyone is better off.

3. If you claimed benefits too soon, "reset" your benefits

Did you know you can withdraw your Social Security application within 12 months of filing it? Doing so will require you to repay what you received, and at this point, your benefits will stop. However, this strategy will also reset your benefit amount. This essentially creates a "do-over." If you feel like you claimed too early and want to wait and reapply with additional delayed retirement credits, the option is there.

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4. Work while receiving benefits

If you're under full retirement age and work while collecting benefits, you might lose some of your benefits temporarily. However, those withheld benefits are recalculated and added into future checks once you hit full retirement age. While this strategy may seem like you're losing money, it comes back to you in the end. This can increase your payments for life.

5. Check if you're entitled to any survivor benefits

If your spouse dies, you may be eligible for a survivor benefit equal to 100% of what they were receiving or were eligible for. Delaying survivor benefits until full retirement age ensures that you get the maximum. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that survivor benefits are separate, and they can be timed strategically. They do not increase past your full retirement age (FRA), so there's no reason to wait longer than that.

6. Claim divorced spouse benefits

One of the best Social Security loopholes involves claiming spousal benefits. As it turns out, this doesn't even need to be your current spouse. If you were married to someone for at least 10 years, you may collect up to 50% of your ex-spouse's earnings, even if you're legally divorced. As long as they're eligible and you're both over 62, you can access additional monthly income without affecting their benefits.

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7. Strategically claim spousal benefits while deferring your own

Individuals born before January 2, 1954, can file a "restricted application" at full retirement age to claim only spousal benefits. In doing so, they enable their own benefits to continue growing and earning more. The government will provide half of your spouse's benefits and then switch to your higher personal benefit once you decide to access them.

8. Delay claiming benefits until age 70

While it might be tempting to claim Social Security benefits as soon as possible, waiting a few years can be incredibly helpful. Every year you delay past full retirement age will add 8% to your monthly check until age 70. That's a potential 24–32% increase in benefits. This is perhaps the most powerful way to boost lifetime benefits, as what would be a $2,000 check will turn into a monthly benefit of $2,640 with a 32% increase.

Bottom line

When the time comes to retire, it is essential to avoid wasting money in retirement. Even if you've worked hard and saved your entire life, living on a fixed income takes some getting used to. However, the right strategies could mean your money may not be as "fixed" as you think.

About 23% of Americans rely solely on Social Security in retirement. For these individuals, even small amounts here and there can mean everything. And for those who already have additional income, it never hurts to have a little extra cushion when you need it.

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