Many workers in the US want to get the most out of their Social Security retirement, especially now that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 will raise payments by 2.5%.
With this increase, the biggest deferred retirement check will be $5,180 a month. For those who are able to reach this amount, it will be a huge financial relief.
Getting the most benefit, on the other hand, is not something that all citizens will do. The amount of your check depends on things like how long you have worked, how much you have earned on average, and how old you are when you apply for benefits.
If you plan ahead, you can make big changes to your monthly check even if you do not reach the maximum.
To give you the best options in this area, we will look at key steps you can take to get the most out of your benefit and also look into the possibility of getting extra payments that can make your monthly income even higher.
Even though it is not possible for everyone to get the biggest check, it is possible for some people to get extra money from other benefits.
Steps to getting the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025
People who meet certain conditions can get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit in 2025. These include working for many years at high wages and waiting until age 70 to start getting benefits. Even though not everyone can meet these requirements, these steps can help you get the most out of 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.
Even though not everyone can reach the maximum of $5,180, taking these steps makes it much more likely that the monthly amount will go up, which is important for a better retirement.
Supplemental payments for Social Security beneficiaries
Social Security recipients may be able to get extra payments on top of their main check, which would increase their monthly income. These extra benefits are meant to help people in certain situations, like those who do not make much money or who have dependents. These are some of the most common extra payments:
- 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.
Along with the main check, these extra payments are necessary to make sure that beneficiaries are financially secure. To get the most out of your applications, you need to make the most of all the opportunities that come your way and handle them correctly.
Making smart choices about your retirement not only protects your finances but also gives you the peace of mind you deserve after years of hard work.