In the United States, maximizing Social Security retirement is a top goal for many workers, especially now that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 will increase payments by 2.5%. This increase will bring the maximum deferred retirement check to $5,180 per month, a figure that represents significant financial relief for those who manage to reach it.
However, achieving the maximum benefit is not something that all citizens will achieve. Check amounts depend on factors such as years worked, average earnings and the age at which you apply for benefits. Even if you don’t reach the maximum, making strategic decisions can help you substantially improve your monthly check.
In order to have the best options in this regard, we’re going to look at key steps to optimize your benefit and also explore the possibility of getting supplemental payments that can further increase your monthly income. While it is true that it is not possible to get the maximum check for all beneficiaries, there is the possibility of getting an extra payment from other different benefits.
Steps to getting the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025
The maximum Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is available to those who meet specific requirements. These include working for decades at high wages and delaying claiming benefits until age 70. While not everyone can meet these conditions, following these steps can help you maximize your monthly check:
- Delaying the start of retirement: Applying for benefits at age 70, rather than 62 or 67, allows you to get an additional 8% for each year you postpone retirement past full age.
- Work at least 35 years: Social Security calculates benefits based on the 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer years, zeros are included in the calculation, reducing the average.
- Earn consistently high earnings: Maximum benefits are designed for those who contributed above Social Security’s highest tax limit for at least 35 years. This requires wages above the established annual threshold.
While not everyone can reach the $5,180 maximum, implementing these steps significantly improves the odds of increasing the monthly amount, which is critical to a more comfortable retirement.
Supplemental payments for Social Security beneficiaries
In addition to the main check, Social Security beneficiaries may be eligible for supplemental payments that increase their monthly income. These additional benefits are designed to support people in specific situations, such as those with limited income or dependents. Among the most common supplemental payments are:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Available to people who are elderly, blind, or have a disability and have limited income. In 2025, SSI maximums will be $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
- Family benefits: Spouses, ex-spouses, and dependent children can get a percentage of the holder’s check, which increases total household income.
- Disability payments: Those who are unable to work due to severe disabilities may be eligible for additional payments through the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) program.
- SNAP Food Stamps: Although this payment is not a Social Security payment, it is usually collected along with the monthly benefit. It is also true that you do not have to be retired to get this check.
These supplemental payments, along with the main check, are essential to ensure financial security for beneficiaries. Taking advantage of all available opportunities and managing applications correctly is key to getting the maximum benefit possible.
Making strategic decisions about your retirement not only ensures greater financial stability, but also allows you to enjoy the peace of mind you deserve after years of work.