Mark Cuban's Urgent Advice for Retirees Who Depend on Social Security

Getting help from Social Security has become more frustrating for many retirees. Longer wait times and fewer support options have made routine problems harder to sort out, especially for people who depend heavily on their senior benefits.

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban has been one of the more vocal critics of those changes. In a March 2025 Bluesky post, he called them "a back-door way to cut SS benefits," arguing that harder-to-access support can create added pressure for retirees.

When getting help takes longer, even routine financial issues can become more frustrating to deal with. Cuban's advice has generally focused on being better prepared for those moments, which is why a few simple financial moves may matter more than usual right now.

Pay down high-interest debt first

One piece of financial advice Mark Cuban repeats often is paying off high-interest debt as quickly as possible. In an appearance on The Dave Ramsey Show, he called paying off credit cards "the best place to invest." Wiping out a 22% interest charge can help your finances as much as earning a 22% return somewhere else, and returns that high are hard to find.

For a retiree carrying balances, those interest payments are pulling cash out of an already-tight budget every month. Paying extra toward the balance with the highest interest rate first can free up more money over time and reduce the amount going toward interest charges each month.

Build even a small cash cushion

Once your interest payments start coming down, the next step is having something to fall back on. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Cuban said working adults should aim for "at least six months income" in savings.

That target may feel out of reach if you're already retired with little put aside, and you don't need to hit it for the principle to apply.

Even a few hundred dollars in a basic savings account can cover a medical bill, a car repair, or a delayed Social Security deposit without sending you to a credit card. Anything you set aside now buys you time when something goes sideways.

Look for ways to bring in a little extra income

If your Social Security check is falling short, even a small amount of extra income can help ease the pressure on your budget. Mark Cuban has often encouraged people to look for practical ways to earn more when expenses start feeling tight.

That does not have to mean returning to full-time work. A few hours of tutoring, seasonal work, pet sitting, or selling handmade items online can bring in extra money each month without taking over their schedule.

Watch out for schemes that promise quick returns

Mark Cuban has often warned people to be skeptical of anything that sounds too easy, especially when money is involved. In one post warning about scams and risky offers, he wrote, "there are no shortcuts. None."

When getting help from the SSA takes longer, it can become easier for scammers to step in with fake calls, texts, or emails claiming there is a problem with your benefits.

A good rule is to slow down when something unexpected shows up. If someone contacts you about your Social Security payments or asks for personal information, verify it through a phone number or website you already trust instead of the one provided in the message.

Watch the earnings test if you're still working

If you claimed Social Security before full retirement age and are still earning a paycheck, the earnings test can withhold part of your benefit.

In 2026, the annual earnings limit is $24,480. For every $2 earned above that amount, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits.

The good news is that the money is not gone for good. Once you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit to give you credit for the months when payments were withheld.

A partial delay can still pay off

If you have not claimed Social Security yet, waiting a little longer can increase your monthly check. For every year you delay past full retirement age, up to age 70, your benefit grows by about 8%.

Waiting until 70 is not realistic for everyone, especially if income is already tight. That said, delaying by even one or two years can lead to a noticeably larger monthly payment for the rest of retirement, which may make monthly expenses easier to manage later on.

Check whether spousal or survivor benefits apply to you

Spousal and survivor benefits are some of the most overlooked sources of retirement income. If you were married for at least 10 years, you may be entitled to a spousal benefit worth up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement age amount, even after a divorce.

Surviving spouses can claim up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit, including any delayed retirement credits. To collect either one, you have to apply, and plenty of people who would qualify never realize they're eligible.

Bottom line

The more you rely on Social Security, the harder it can be to absorb an unexpected cost or payment issue. Preparing ahead of time may not prevent every surprise, but it can make them easier to handle.

Paying attention to debt or even understanding how your benefits work can help you make the right moves before a problem becomes more expensive or harder to fix.