Social Security in the United States is a major source of income for millions of retirees, but not everyone gets the same amount. While some reach the maximum monthly payment, others settle for lower figures, often due to decisions made during their working lives. While achieving the largest check is complicated and requires long-term planning, there are strategies that can increase the amount even if you don’t reach the maximum allowed.
Getting a large Social Security payment not only ensures a better quality of life in retirement, but also reduces dependence on other supplemental income. However, this goal is not attainable for everyone, as it is conditioned by factors such as average annual salary, years worked and the age at which one decides to apply for the benefit.
Despite the limitations, beneficiaries have options to optimize their income. In addition, it is important to consider supplemental programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SNAP, which can make a significant difference in total income for retirees.
How to get the biggest Social Security check?
Getting the biggest Social Security check requires meeting certain key requirements that are not always available to everyone. Here are the three main factors that determine the final benefit amount:
- Working for at least 35 years: The Social Security calculation is based on the beneficiary’s 35 highest earning years. If less time is worked, the missing years are counted as $0 earnings, reducing the average and thus the monthly payment.
- Earning the maximum Social Security taxable wage: In 2024, this limit is $168,600 annually. The closer earnings are to this figure over the years worked, the higher the average used to calculate the check.
- Delay retirement until age 70: Although full retirement age varies by year of birth, delaying the start of benefits until age 70 increases the monthly check by 8% annually from full age.
These strategies not only help maximize the monthly check, but also ensure a more stable income throughout retirement. However, it is important to keep in mind that each individual must evaluate his or her financial and health situation to decide the best time to apply for benefits.
Social Security Supplemental Payments (SSI, SNAP)
For many retirees in the United States, Social Security is not enough to cover all necessary expenses. This is where supplemental programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) play a crucial role.
SSI is designed to help people who are over 65, blind or disabled with limited income. This program provides additional monthly payments that can be used to cover basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Qualification requirements include strict income and resource limits, so it is important to check with the Social Security Administration to determine eligibility.
SNAP, on the other hand, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Although not directly linked to Social Security, many retirees who get Social Security benefits also qualify for this program. SNAP benefits not only ease the financial burden, but also improve quality of life by ensuring access to healthy food.
Maximizing the Social Security check is a desirable goal, but combining this income with supplemental programs can offer greater financial support. In this way, beneficiaries have the opportunity to secure a more comfortable and stable retirement, tailored to their specific needs.