THERE’S ways for eligible Americans to collect the maximum from their Social Security checks in 2025.
The secret methods are useful to keep in mind as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is still figuring out to keep the money from running out.
Seniors can get the most out of their Social Security benefits (stock image)[/caption]
Some methods could get them the $5,108 maximum (stock image)[/caption]
Two trust funds, the Old-Age and Survivors (OASI) Trust Fund, and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund, provide benefits to all Social Security recipients every year.
In June, the SSA released projections that showed 100% of benefits from the funds could only be distributed in a combined capacity through 2034.
That means after that year, if nothing changes, some recipients wouldn’t be able to get all of the cash they qualify for, only about three-quarters of it.
While Congress and the SSA are still figuring out how to resolve the fund depletion issue, Americans can consider a few actions to maximize benefits.
This year, the highest possible monthly checks are $5,108.
To get those maximum distributions consistently and the new maximum in 2026, there are two avenues.
WORK 35
First, those Americans who have paid Social Security taxes and worked for at least 35 years could get the top distribution amount, per USA Today.
The reasoning behind that is due to benefits being based on earnings, adjusted for inflation, in the 35 most-worked years.
Those who might only work 32, for example, can’t possibly get the $5,108 monthly Social Security because at least three years of zero will be factored into the calculation from the SSA.
Additionally, in those 35 years, you must’ve earned the maximum amount of money each year.
The SSA updates its maximum taxable earnings amount every year, and for 2025, it’s $176,100.
That means those who worked 35 years and wanted to take benefits immediately at 62 in 2025 must’ve earned at least $176,100 for 35 years of their career.
This is a prime example of why most Americans can’t get the maximum monthly benefits through that route.
The average annual salary in the United States for 2025 is around $66,622, according to data from SoFi.
HOW TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
Here’s how to supplement your Social Security:
Given the uncertainty surrounding Social Security’s long-term future, it’s essential for workers to consider ways to supplement their retirement income.
Senior Citizens League executive director, Shannon Benton recommends starting early with savings and investing in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.
- 401(k) Plans
- A 401(k) is a retirement account offered through employers, where contributions are tax-deferred.
- Many employers also match employee contributions, typically between 2% and 4% of salary, making it a valuable tool for building retirement savings.
- Maxing out your 401(k) contributions, especially if your employer offers a match, should be a priority.
- IRAs
- An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) offers another avenue for retirement savings.
- Unlike a 401(k), an IRA isn’t tied to your employer, giving you more flexibility in your investment choices.
- Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, and the funds grow tax-free until they are withdrawn, at which point they are taxed as income.
DELAY, DELAY
However, another way to get the maximum monthly benefits is to delay claiming them until the age of 70.
This move has been suggested by many financial experts for healthier seniors heading into the latter years of life.
Social Security benefits can always be claimed starting at age 62, with checks being smaller but coming in for many more years.
Starting later at 70 means a larger amount in the checks, likely for a shorter period of time, that depend on what an American’s full retirement age is.
It’s typically 66 or 67 depending on the year they were born, according to the SSA website.
There’s no right or wrong choice in this situation, as some may need benefits as soon as possible and others who are still working or have the financial means can push them off for a later date.
Still, some recent studies show that delaying until 70 could provide more in total benefits for most Americans.
Two senators have also come forward with a proposal that would stop the SSA fund depletion.
The SSA is also making a massive change in September, meaning recipients must take action or their cash could be blocked.
