As the new year 2025 approaches, strategically planning finances to ensure a smooth and comfortable retirement is crucial in the United States. While Social Security payments are an essential source of support for millions of people, it is possible to improve their utilization through some simple changes, so let’s learn about those changes and see if it’s really in our power to make them.
With the right approach, beneficiaries can ensure that their income is more efficient, and that any additional benefits available are also being used effectively. Only in this way will we be able to have great golden years that allow us to enjoy Social Security to the fullest.
4 steps to improve your Social Security in 2025
While it’s true that sometimes improving a Social Security payment can be difficult, in most cases, if you haven’t yet filed for retirement, you can improve your future financial situation.
That’s why there are four things to keep in mind in 2025 if we talk about our Social Security check:
1. Review your benefit estimate
One of the first important steps is to make sure you know your estimated Social Security benefit. This estimate is based on your earnings over the years and is crucial to accurately plan for your financial future. If you already have years of contributions, you can easily review this estimate through your account on the Social Security Administration’s website.
This will help you estimate how much of your income will depend on Social Security and how much you will need to save on your own to supplement your retirement. Each case is totally unique, so you should carefully watch out what your contribution is using the calculator.
Also, remember that this estimate can change over time, since the more years you work, the more money you contribute. If your income increases or decreases significantly over the next few years, so will your estimate. Therefore, it is advisable to review this figure regularly to adjust your savings goals. It is not necessary to look at it every month, but it is advisable to do so from time to time.
2. Determine the types of benefits you are eligible to receive
Social Security not only offers retirement benefits, but you may also be eligible for other types of benefits. These include widow’s or widower’s benefits, divorce benefits, and benefits for people with disabilities.
If you are married, you may be eligible for spousal benefits, which can be up to 50% of your partner’s benefits. If you have been divorced, but your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you may also be able to claim benefits derived from your former spouse. Thus, there are several possibilities to consider.
In addition, if you are a survivor, you may be able to get Social Security benefits from a deceased family member. These helps are essential to ensure financial stability in difficult times.
3. Discuss a claiming strategy with your spouse
If you are married and both of you are entitled to get Social Security benefits, it is critical to plan when to start claiming those benefits. The age at which you decide to start claiming will directly affect the amount of your monthly payments.
Claiming at age 62 can mean up to a 30% reduction in benefits, while delaying until age 70 can increase your monthly payment by 24% or more. This could leave us with a check of up to $5,180 at most in 2025.
By discussing the available options with your partner, you can choose the best strategy to maximize your income during retirement. Some couples choose to start payments early to get immediate benefits, while others prefer to delay one of the payments to maximize their long-term benefits.
4. Check your eligibility for other benefits such as SNAP or SSI
In addition to Social Security benefits, there are other assistance programs that may help improve your quality of life. Check to see if you are eligible for SNAP, which provides food assistance, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which offers additional support to people with low incomes and few resources. These programs not only provide additional financial help, but can alleviate some of the financial burdens, especially in months with higher expenses.
As the cost of living continues to rise, making sure you are getting as many benefits as possible can make a difference in the quality of life during retirement. And also check at all times for all kinds of extra benefits you could be getting. These benefit payments can be month-to-month or an additional extra stimulus check.
In this sense, making the most of Social Security benefits and other assistance programs does not require complicated actions, although it is true that we must be attentive to everything that happens with our pensioner. Therefore, reviewing your benefit estimate, knowing the types of benefits available, coordinating a strategy with your spouse and checking other available help can help you live a more comfortable and secure retirement. Implementing these simple steps can make a big difference in your long-term financial stability and well-being.
