5 Proven Ways to Increase Your Social Security: When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make is how to maximize your Social Security benefits. In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit for someone retiring at age 70 is $5,108 per month. Sounds great, right? But reaching that number takes more than just waiting—it requires strategic planning, steady income, and smart decision-making.
Understanding the Social Security system and learning how to use it to your advantage can significantly impact your retirement income. It’s not just about collecting a monthly check—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term financial security. Whether you’re in your 20s or already in your 60s, now is the perfect time to take action and optimize your future benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 proven ways to increase your Social Security to $5,108 this year. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, midway through your career, or getting ready to retire, these strategies can help boost your future income and give you more financial freedom in your golden years. And don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple, practical, and actionable.
5 Proven Ways to Increase Your Social Security
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025) | $5,108 (at age 70) |
| Minimum Claiming Age | 62 |
| Full Retirement Age | 66-67 (depending on birth year) |
| Delayed Retirement Credit | Up to 8% per year after full retirement age |
| Earnings Cap for 2025 | $176,100 |
| Official SSA Website | www.ssa.gov |
Increasing your Social Security to $5,108 per month isn’t magic—it’s methodical. By working a full 35 years, maximizing your income, delaying your benefits, correcting your earnings history, and leveraging spousal benefits, you can move closer to that maximum amount.
Plan early, check often, and make informed choices. With smart strategies, you can secure a more comfortable and confident retirement. Take the time today to set up your “my Social Security” account, review your earnings, and create a game plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Remember, every dollar counts when you’re on a fixed income. Make the most of the opportunities available to you now, so you can relax and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard to earn.
Why Social Security Planning Matters
Most Americans rely on Social Security for a significant part of their retirement income. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 9 out of 10 people age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits, and for many, it’s their primary source of income. Source
But here’s the thing: not everyone receives the same amount. Your benefit amount depends on how much you earned during your career, how long you worked, and when you decide to claim your benefits.
By understanding how these factors work together, you can make informed decisions that maximize your monthly income—not just now, but for the rest of your life. Planning well in advance means you have more control over your financial future, which is especially important as living expenses and healthcare costs continue to rise.
1. Work for At Least 35 Years
Why 35 Years Matters
Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you worked fewer than 35 years, the Social Security Administration adds zeros for the missing years, which pulls down your average income and therefore your monthly benefit.
5 Proven Ways to Increase Your Social Security Apply This
Even if you’ve had some lower-earning years in the past, replacing them with higher-earning years in the future can raise your average and increase your benefit. For example, working five extra years in a well-paying job can replace earlier years where you may have earned minimum wage or took time off.
Additional Insight
If you’re self-employed or run a small business, make sure you’re reporting accurate income to the IRS. Underreporting now can mean much lower benefits later. Also, don’t forget that part-time work in your later years can still count if it replaces a zero-income year.
2. Earn More (Up to the Taxable Maximum)
Understand the Cap
In 2025, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax is $176,100. Any income earned beyond this limit is not considered in your benefit calculation.
Maximize Your Earnings
If you’re in a position to do so, aim to increase your income up to or near the taxable maximum. This could mean negotiating a raise, upskilling for a higher-paying role, transitioning into a new industry, or launching a profitable side business.
Real Example
Let’s say Jane earns $100,000 a year. If she gets a new job paying $150,000, more of her income is factored into the Social Security formula, potentially leading to a higher benefit later on. It’s all about increasing your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is what the SSA uses to determine your benefit.
Additional Tip
For dual-income households, each spouse should aim to increase their individual earnings. This not only raises each person’s potential benefit but also offers flexibility in claiming spousal benefits later.
3. Delay Claiming Benefits Until Age 70
The Power of Delayed Retirement Credits
For every year you delay claiming after your full retirement age (FRA), your benefits increase by approximately 8% per year, until age 70. That’s a 24-32% increase depending on your FRA.
Wait If You Can
If you can afford to wait until age 70, you’ll get the maximum possible benefit—which in 2025 is $5,108 per month. That extra monthly income can make a big difference over a 20- to 30-year retirement.
Tip:
Use other sources of income like retirement savings (401(k), IRA), rental income, or part-time work to bridge the gap if you retire before age 70. Think of delaying Social Security as an investment in your future guaranteed income.
Bonus Insight
Many financial advisors recommend delaying Social Security if you’re in good health and have a family history of longevity. The longer you live, the more beneficial delaying becomes.
4. Check and Correct Your Earnings Record
Why It Matters
The Social Security Administration bases your benefits on your earnings record. If there’s a mistake or missing year, your benefit might be lower than it should be—and you may never even know unless you check.
5 Proven Ways to Increase Your Social Security Check
Create a my Social Security account at SSA.gov and review your earnings history annually. If you see a missing or incorrect entry, you can file a correction. Even small discrepancies can affect your benefits in the long run.
Tip:
Keep copies of your tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s in case you ever need to provide proof of income. Pay special attention to years when you changed jobs, were self-employed, or took time off.
Real-Life Example
A client once discovered a missing $40,000 income year from their earnings record. After submitting tax documents to correct it, their projected benefit increased by over $80/month for life.
5. Coordinate Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Maximize Household Benefits
Married? Divorced? Widowed? You may qualify for spousal or survivor benefits, which can significantly impact your household’s total Social Security income. These benefits are often overlooked but can be worth thousands over time.
Examples:
- A lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of their spouse’s benefit at full retirement age.
- A surviving spouse may receive the full benefit of the deceased, if it’s higher than their own.
- Divorced individuals may also qualify for spousal benefits if the marriage lasted 10 years or longer.
Pro Tip:
Coordinate when each spouse claims. For example, one spouse could claim early while the other delays until age 70, increasing the overall household income in later years. Planning as a couple can lead to thousands in additional benefits.
FAQs On 5 Proven Ways to Increase Your Social Security
What is the earliest age I can claim Social Security?
You can start receiving benefits at age 62, but your checks will be permanently reduced by up to 30% compared to waiting until your full retirement age.
Is Social Security income taxable?
Yes. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal taxes. State taxes vary.
Can I work and collect Social Security?
Yes, but if you’re under full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings exceed annual limits. Once you reach FRA, you can earn any amount without reductions. Read more here
How do I estimate my benefits?
Use the Social Security Quick Calculator or create a personal account at my Social Security to view a detailed estimate and future projections.
Do pensions affect my benefits?
Possibly. If you have a pension from work not covered by Social Security (like certain government jobs), it may reduce your benefit under the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO).
