When it comes to retirement, every additional dollar counts—and Social Security is often the cornerstone of financial stability for millions of retirees. But what if you could legally unlock hundreds more dollars each month in your benefit check, using strategies that most retirees overlook? If you’re approaching retirement—or even if you’re already collecting Social Security—understanding the finer details of how your benefits are calculated can make a big difference.
Some strategies require long-term planning, but others are surprisingly simple, yet little-known. These can be used to legally increase your monthly payout, sometimes by as much as 7% to 32%. The key is knowing the rules inside and out, and implementing the right tactics at the right time. Below, we break down three of the smartest yet under-the-radar moves that could significantly boost your Social Security check in retirement.
Quick Look: 3 Little-Known Strategies to Maximize Your Benefits
| Strategy | What It Does | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Delay claiming beyond Full Retirement Age (FRA) | Earn delayed retirement credits to grow monthly payments | Up to 32% increase in monthly benefits |
| Recalculating benefits from post-claim work | Includes higher-earning years after retirement for recalculation | Modest monthly increases over time |
| Strategic benefit suspension at FRA | Pause benefits and resume later at a higher rate | Gain 8% per year in increased future benefits |
Delaying your claim can pay big dividends
One of the most powerful ways to increase your Social Security check doesn’t require a dime of investment—just patience. If you delay claiming your Social Security beyond your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you’ll earn what are called “delayed retirement credits.” These credits increase your benefit by approximately 8% for every year you wait between FRA and age 70.
For example, if your FRA is 67 and you wait until age 70 to claim your benefits, you could receive a 24% increase over your standard benefit. Add that to potential cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and you’re looking at a sizable boost that lasts the rest of your life.
By waiting until age 70, retirees can maximize guaranteed income while also preserving some future inflation protection.
— Janet Crowley, Retirement Income PlannerAlso Read
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Returns to Theaters — The Special Screenings That Have Japanese Fans Excited
Just remember, once you hit age 70, there’s no additional benefit to waiting, so be sure to file at that point.
Keep working and watch for automatic recalculations
Few retirees realize that Social Security automatically recalculates benefits if you continue to work after you’ve already claimed your checks. In other words, if you had low-earning years in your calculation history, and you now earn a higher salary in retirement, those new earnings can bump one of the 35 years used in your formula.
Social Security bases your monthly benefit on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. So, continuing to work—even part-time—with a relatively high wage could replace lower-earning years in your history, leading to an upward revision in your monthly check.
These recalculations happen automatically, but they can take time—typically the year after the higher earnings hit your record. So don’t expect an overnight change, but do keep an eye on your benefit amounts.
This approach isn’t widely known, but it can help retirees reward themselves for working longer without any complicated paperwork.
— Thomas Mendoza, Former SSA Analyst
Using benefit suspension as a second chance
Let’s say you claimed your Social Security early—perhaps at 62—but your financial situation later improved. What many people don’t realize is that you can “pause” your benefits once you reach your Full Retirement Age. This move, called a voluntary benefit suspension, lets your benefit grow again by earning 8% a year in delayed credits until age 70.
This is essentially a do-over strategy for those who regret claiming early and now have the financial stability to delay income. This option only becomes available once you reach your FRA, and you simply need to request a suspension from the Social Security Administration.
Think of benefit suspension as hitting the pause button—you won’t receive checks temporarily, but your future self will thank you.
— Elaine Barlow, Certified Financial Planner
Unlike withdrawing your application entirely—which is only allowed once in a lifetime within 12 months of claiming—a benefit suspension is far more flexible and doesn’t involve paying back any previous benefits.
The rules that make these strategies work
Each of these tactics is grounded in the complex formula Social Security uses to calculate benefits. For example, delayed retirement credits are only earned after FRA, and earnings limits still apply if you’re working and under your FRA. Make sure you know:
- Your Full Retirement Age (typically 66–67 depending on birth year)
- Your 35 highest-earning years
- How additional income might impact your tax situation
It’s also important to avoid common pitfalls, like assuming higher income always increases Social Security benefits—it depends on how that income compares to your indexed 35 years, and whether you’re replacing any lower-earning years.
Winners and losers from these strategies
| Winners | Why |
|---|---|
| Late retirees | They gain the highest increase from delay credits |
| Post-retirement earners | Earn higher current income and future benefit recalculations |
| Those who claimed early but now want to retool their plan | Can use benefit suspension to restart growth at FRA |
| Losers | Why |
| People in poor health | Might not benefit from delaying due to shortened life expectancy |
| Lower-income retirees who claimed early | May not be able to afford to pause benefits later |
Plan early, revise often
You don’t need to be a Social Security expert to take advantage of these options, but it pays to plan early and revisit your strategy. Use Social Security calculators or consult with a retirement advisor to test different claiming ages and income scenarios. Things like spousal benefits, taxes, and longevity expectations all play a role, and coordination with other income sources—such as pensions or retirement accounts—can further affect the ideal timing.
Each year, your Social Security benefit may also increase due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which make securing a higher initial base even more beneficial down the road.
These strategies all depend on individual goals and health status—for some, cash flow now is more important. For others, locking in a bigger future check is smarter.
— Richard Lenz, Retirement Economist
Frequently asked questions
Can I suspend my Social Security benefits after age 70?
No. After age 70, there are no additional delayed credits to earn, so suspending benefits serves no purpose.
How often does Social Security recalculate benefits if I keep working?
Social Security checks for higher income annually and automatically adjusts your payments if applicable.
Do I need to inform SSA if I want my benefit recalculated?
No. This is done automatically, typically the year after your continued earnings are reported via tax filings.
Can delaying benefits affect spousal or survivor benefits?
Yes. A higher personal benefit can also increase spouse or survivor payments depending on age and filing rules.
If I already claimed early, can I reset my application?
You can withdraw your application only within 12 months of filing, and only once. Otherwise, benefit suspension at FRA is your option.
What is the annual cap on earnings before full retirement age?
In 2024, the earnings limit is $21,240. Earning above this may temporarily reduce your Social Security benefits.
Will cost-of-living adjustments apply if I delay benefits?
Yes. Even if you delay claiming, COLAs apply to your eventual benefit amount.
How do I request a benefit suspension?
You must contact the SSA directly after you reach FRA and formally request to suspend benefits.
About the Author
