Although you should not rely on Social Security benefits as your primary source of income in the United States, they can be a significant portion of your retirement income. As you can see, there’s a significant difference between receiving $1,465 and $2,119.
In fact, the second payment is approximately $654 more than the first. When inflation and rising prices cause millions of retirees to run out of money, it is prudent to consider this helpful tip.
There are several ways to increase your Social Security payments during retirement. However, there is one thing that most people can do: decide when to file for retirement benefits. Waiting until you reach Full Retirement Age can increase your benefits by approximately 44%.
Should you file for Social Security at 62 or at Full Retirement Age?
If you apply for Social Security at age 62, you will receive a 30% reduction. That is a large sum of money, and few workers can afford it. While filing at 62 can have a negative impact on your finances, filing at Full Retirement Age will provide you with all of your benefits.
As a result, there will be no reductions and no rewards. If your future retirement check will be around $1,465 at 62, filing at 67 will allow you to receive $2,119.
Keep in mind that if you filed for Social Security at the age of 70, you could receive a payment of $2,634. Of course, provided you pay the necessary taxes.
Other ways to increase Social Security benefits without filing late
Filing after age 62 is not the only way to increase your future retirement benefits. For example, if you only work for ten years, you may be eligible for Social Security, but you will receive a very low payment in most cases.
Nonetheless, if you have worked for at least 35 years, you will not be eligible for a reduction. For example, if you work for 34 years, one year will be counted as $0 in earnings because the Social Security Administration uses 35-year calculations.
Raising your wages is another excellent way to increase your retirement benefit payments. To receive the maximum benefit payment of $5,108 in 2025, you must:
- file at 70
- work for 35 years
- earn the taxable maximum for 35 years
- have jobs covered by SSA
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