Retirement Social Security

The Average Social Security Benefit Only Covers $24K a Year - Here's How to Bridge the Gap

Here are six ways you can boost retirement income and lower monthly expenses.

By Lee Huffman

Edited by Kristy DeSmit

Updated March 20, 2026

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Social Security plays a central role in retirement income for millions of Americans, but the benefit alone rarely covers the full cost of living. In 2026, the average retirement benefit is about $2,071 per month, which is a bit more than $24,000 per year.

This meager income leaves many retirees seeking additional sources of income, considering that the typical American believes they need about $1.3 million saved to retire comfortably. Here are six ways to earn more money in retirement and reduce monthly expenses to close the gap and set yourself up for retirement.

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Why the Social Security income gap matters

When retirement lasts 20 to 30 years or more, relying heavily on Social Security can expose you to financial pressure from inflation, health care costs, and rising housing expenses. Social Security was designed to replace only a portion of pre-retirement income rather than your entire paycheck.

For households living on a fixed income, even modest increases in living costs can strain the monthly budget. The longer retirement lasts, the more important it becomes to supplement Social Security with other income sources.

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Draw down retirement savings strategically

A thoughtful withdrawal strategy can significantly extend the life of your retirement savings. Many retirement planners recommend drawing first from taxable investment accounts, then tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, while allowing Roth accounts to grow tax-free as long as possible. This sequence can help reduce taxes early in retirement and delay required minimum distributions later in life.

Required minimum distribution rules begin in your early seventies and require withdrawals from retirement accounts. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans can increase taxable income. A coordinated withdrawal strategy among tax-deferred, tax-free, and brokerage accounts can minimize taxes while preserving assets longer.

Consider part-time income in early retirement

Working part-time during the first few years of retirement can dramatically reduce pressure on your savings. Even modest income from consulting, freelance work, or flexible part-time roles may allow you to delay tapping retirement accounts.

Delaying withdrawals gives investments additional time to grow and can also make it easier to postpone claiming Social Security, which increases the eventual monthly benefit. Many retirees also find that occasional work provides social engagement and mental stimulation along with financial benefits.

However, keep in mind that working prior to full retirement age can result in reduced Social Security payments during these early retirement years. Additionally, elevated income totals can also result in taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits. Run the numbers to determine how working affects your Social Security benefits in retirement.

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Maximize spousal benefits

Understanding how spousal benefits work can increase the total income your household receives from Social Security. A spouse may qualify for a benefit worth up to 50% of the higher earner's full retirement benefit. Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and certain eligibility rules are met.

Coordinating when each spouse claims benefits can sometimes increase lifetime income significantly, particularly when one spouse has substantially higher lifetime earnings. Reviewing eligibility rules from the Social Security Administration can help ensure you are not leaving benefits unclaimed.

Reduce fixed expenses in retirement

Lowering monthly expenses can be just as powerful as increasing income. Housing is often the largest expense for retirees, which is why some households choose to downsize or relocate to lower-cost areas.

Moving to a region with lower property taxes or overall living costs can free up significant cash flow each month. Even small reductions in recurring expenses can make a noticeable difference when living on a fixed retirement income.

Review your monthly bills to seek out ways to cut your expenses. Negotiate or cut subscriptions and look for lower-cost alternatives. Many providers offer retiree discounts or grants for low-income seniors.

Eliminate debt payments

Debt can quietly erode retirement income. Mortgage payments, credit cards, and auto loans can consume hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month that could otherwise support living expenses. Entering retirement with minimal debt provides greater flexibility and reduces financial stress when income is limited.

Paying off high-interest obligations before or early in retirement can significantly improve cash flow and stretch Social Security benefits. Lower debt payments also reduce the need to withdraw from retirement plans and brokerage accounts.

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Earn stronger returns on savings and investments

Retirees sometimes become overly conservative with investments out of fear of market volatility, but keeping too much money in low-yield accounts can reduce long-term income potential. Maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes some exposure to equities can help protect purchasing power against inflation.

Short-term savings and emergency funds can be placed in high-yield savings accounts or laddered certificates of deposit (CDs) to generate higher interest income without taking on additional risk. Thoughtful diversification helps retirement savings continue working even after regular paychecks stop.

Bottom line

The average Social Security benefit of about $24,000 a year provides a foundation for retirement income. However, it rarely covers the full cost of living for most households. Bridging the gap between Social Security benefits and monthly bills typically requires a combination of strategies rather than a single solution.

Strategically drawing down savings, generating part-time income, coordinating spousal benefits, reducing expenses, eliminating debt, and maintaining thoughtful investment exposure can all help strengthen your retirement plan. When these strategies work together, they can significantly improve long-term financial stability throughout retirement.

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