How to Maximize Social Security Benefits Before Retirement

22 January 2026

Are you getting close to retirement and wondering how to squeeze every last dollar out of your Social Security benefits? You’re not alone. Social Security is one of the most significant sources of retirement income for millions of Americans. Still, too many people end up leaving money on the table without even realizing it.

The truth is, your Social Security benefits aren’t set in stone. In fact, there are smart, simple strategies that can help you boost your benefits before you retire — and we’re going to break them all down for you.

Why Social Security Matters More Than You Think

For most retirees, Social Security isn’t just a nice-to-have. It's a financial lifeline. According to the Social Security Administration, about 40% of retirees rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. That means even a modest increase in your monthly check can have a big impact on your quality of life during retirement.

So, how do you maximize those benefits? Let’s dive in.

1. Know Your Full Retirement Age (FRA)

Let’s start with the basics. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age when you're eligible to receive 100% of your Social Security benefit. It depends on the year you were born:

- Born in 1955? Your FRA is 66 and 2 months.
- Born in 1960 or later? It's 67.

Why is this so important? Because claiming benefits before your FRA means you’ll receive a reduced amount permanently. On the flip side, wait past your FRA, and you’ll earn delayed retirement credits, increasing your benefit up to 8% per year until age 70. That’s a hefty boost!

💡 Quick Tip: If you can afford to wait, holding off until age 70 can lead to a 24%–32% increase in benefits depending on your FRA.

2. Work for At Least 35 Years

Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you haven’t worked for 35 years, the Social Security Administration will plug in zeros for the missing years, which drags down your average and your monthly benefit.

So, even if you’re late in your career and considering early retirement, sticking it out a few more years — especially if you're earning more now than earlier in your career — can pay off.

📈 Pro Tip: Each additional year you work can replace a low-earning year (or a zero) in your benefit calculation, potentially increasing your monthly check.

3. Increase Your Income Strategically

Since benefits are tied to your earnings, the more you make (up to the taxable maximum), the more you’re likely to receive in benefits. In 2024, the maximum taxable earnings cap is $168,600. If you’re a high earner or have the opportunity for side gigs, now’s the time to boost your income.

Are you self-employed? Maximize your reported income — even if it means a bit more in self-employment tax. The tradeoff can be worth it when your retirement benefits grow as a result.

🛠️ Think of it like planting seeds today to grow your financial tree for tomorrow.

4. Coordinate Benefits with Your Spouse

For married couples, Social Security planning becomes a team sport. Spousal benefits allow one partner to receive up to 50% of the other’s benefit, even if they didn’t work enough to qualify on their own.

Here’s where strategy kicks in: The higher earner should consider delaying benefits until age 70 while the lower earner claims earlier. That way, you lock in the maximum survivor’s benefit if the higher earner passes away first. Smart, right?

💑 Rule of Thumb: The longer the higher earner lives, the more this strategy pays off.

5. Avoid the Earnings Test (If You Claim Early)

Planning to work while collecting Social Security before your FRA? Be cautious. The Social Security earnings test could reduce your benefit.

In 2024, if you're under FRA and earn more than $21,240, $1 will be deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit.

🙅‍♂️ That paycheck might not be worth it if it triggers benefit reductions — unless you’re using it to delay claiming altogether.

6. Don’t Automatically Retire at 62

Yes, it's tempting. You’ve worked hard, and 62 sounds like a great age to start enjoying life. But here’s the catch: Claiming at 62 means you’re locking in a reduced benefit — up to 30% less than what you’d get at FRA.

Later benefits aren’t just higher — they’re inflation-adjusted for life. That means more money in your pocket well into your 80s or 90s.

🎯 Think long-term. Appetizer-sized paychecks at 62 may not satisfy your retirement hunger as well as a full entrée at 67 or 70.

7. Consider the Tax Impact

Believe it or not, your Social Security benefits could be taxed depending on your total income in retirement.

Here’s how it works:

- If you’re single and your combined income (including Social Security, pensions, and savings withdrawals) is between $25,000–$34,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable.
- Above $34,000? That jumps to 85%.

Similar thresholds apply to married couples with higher limits.

🧾 Planning Tip: Withdraw from tax-deferred accounts before claiming Social Security or use Roth accounts in retirement to manage taxable income.

8. Leverage File and Suspend (If Eligible)

While the old "file and suspend" strategy was mostly phased out in 2016, there's a lesser-known version still in play for those who were grandfathered in or are eligible under certain circumstances.

Basically, one spouse can suspend their benefits while the other collects a spousal benefit, allowing the suspended benefit to grow. It’s complicated, but for some, it can be a game-changer.

🧠 When in doubt, consult a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security strategies.

9. Use Online Tools and Get a Social Security Statement

Don't guess — plan. Log into your My Social Security account (www.ssa.gov/myaccount) and access your personalized earnings report and projected benefit.

You’ll see:

- Your estimated monthly benefit at various retirement ages
- Your recorded earnings history
- Whether you’ve worked enough to qualify

🧮 Use Calculators Too: Tools like AARP’s Social Security calculator can simulate different claiming scenarios. It’s like using Google Maps for your retirement route.

10. Account for Longevity

Here’s a hard truth: Many people underestimate how long they’ll live. If you live into your 80s or 90s, claiming early could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.

Social Security is essentially longevity insurance. The longer you live, the more delaying pays off.

⏳ Don’t just plan for tomorrow — plan for the long game.

11. Don’t Rely on Social Security Alone

Even if you're doing everything right to maximize your benefits, Social Security should only be one part of your retirement plan. Build up your 401(k), IRA, or other investments so you're not overly dependent on a single source of income.

🧺 Diversify Your Retirement Basket: Relying solely on Social Security is like trying to win a football game with only one player. You’re going to need a solid team.

12. Educate Yourself — And Stay Updated

Social Security rules are constantly evolving. Staying informed can help you avoid mistakes and take advantage of any new opportunities.

Subscribe to newsletters, read SSA updates, or speak with a licensed financial planner. It’s your money. It’s worth the homework.

📚 Rule of Thumb: Knowing the rules means playing the game better.

Final Thoughts

Maximizing your Social Security benefits before retirement isn’t rocket science — but it does require thoughtful planning. Start early, keep an eye on your earnings, delay where possible, and coordinate with your spouse. With a few smart moves, you can pocket thousands more over the course of your retirement.

Let’s be honest: Retirement is supposed to be the time when you finally relax and enjoy life. Don’t let a lack of planning steal that joy. Now that you know better, go out and make it happen.