How To Maximize Your Social Security Benefit While Still Working

As you plan for retirement, finding a way to maximize your Social Security benefits can help you lay the foundation for more financial stability in the years ahead. Luckily, a little bit of knowledge can help you make the most of your Social Security benefit.

This guide explores how to maximize your Social Security benefit while you are still working.

Work at least 35 years

Your Social Security benefits are calculated using an average of your top-earning 35 years in the workforce. If you work less than 35 years, your benefits will be calculated using a zero for each year you didn't work. With that, your benefits amount can shrink when you leave the workforce before working at least 35 years.

If you haven't left the working world behind, consider sticking it out until you've accumulated 35 years of work.

Get a raise

When your Social Security benefits are calculated, the amount you earned during your working years makes an impact. Generally, the more money you make in your working years, the larger your Social Security benefit in retirement.

If possible, ask for a raise at work or find a higher-paying job. Not only will earning more help you boost your Social Security benefit, but it might also give you the breathing room you need to build additional retirement savings.

Plan to claim benefits at 70

Although you can claim your Social Security benefits as early as 62, waiting until age 70 can help you tap into a larger monthly check. For workers who want to get the largest Social Security benefit possible, staying at work in order to delay taking Social Security could lead to a significant increase in their retirement income.

Of course, working until age 70 might not be possible for everyone. But if you can hold out, it might be worth it for a higher income in your golden years.

Avoid claiming too early

Even if you don't wait to claim your benefits until age 70, consider waiting until your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Generally, waiting until your FRA will help you tap into a larger benefit amount than if you choose to claim earlier.

Consider working part-time instead of quitting

It's tempting to say goodbye to working for good. But many seniors can benefit financially from working, at least part-time. For starters, part-time work can help you stretch out your nest egg and potentially help you delay claiming your Social Security benefits.

Beyond the financial aspect, many older workers enjoy working part-time in their golden years. It might be an opportunity to work somewhere you love, like at a local state park or garden center, to share your passions while earning a wage.

Understand the earnings test

If you claim your Social Security benefits before reaching your FRA, the earnings test can impact how much of your benefit you'll actually receive. When you claim before your FRA, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over the annual limit.

In the year you reach your FRA, Social Security will withhold $1 of your benefit for every $3 earned over the limit. After you hit FRA, the test stops, meaning you can earn any amount without facing a smaller benefits check.

Notably, the benefit reduction is temporary. After you reach FRA, the Social Security Administration will increase your benefits to account for the lower benefits amount due to earned income.

Work up to the income limit

If you claim your Social Security before your FRA, you can continue working to earn a certain amount without impacting your monthly benefits amount. For example, in 2026, someone claiming their Social Security benefits before their FRA can earn $24,480 before facing an earnings test penalty.

Review your Social Security earnings record

When you claim your benefits, the amount is based on the earnings history held by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although the numbers they have on file might be accurate, mistakes happen. It's a good idea to double-check your Social Security earnings record for errors.

If you spot an error in your mySocialSecurity account, contact the SSA to correct it.

Check into spousal and survivor benefits

If you are married, you might be able to receive spousal benefits, which might be higher than what you would receive based on your own work history. Additionally, survivor benefits might be available to help you boost your own benefit after a spouse passes away.

For married or widowed seniors, checking into these options could lead to an increased benefit amount.

Bottom line

In the lead up to retirement, taking action to maximize your Social Security benefits can have a big impact. But influencing your Social Security benefits isn't the only smart money move for seniors. As you prepare for retirement, take stock of your entire financial picture to make the most of your resources.

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