Retirement Retired Life

8 Clever Ways to Stretch Your Social Security if You’re a Solo Retiree

Living alone in retirement doesn't have to mean living on less — here's how to make every Social Security dollar count.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Nov. 9, 2025

For solo retirees, making Social Security benefits last can be a balancing act between stretching income and cutting costs. Living on a single income often means making thoughtful choices to protect your financial well-being for the long haul. Fortunately, a few key moves can help you make the most of every benefit check. Whether you're nearing retirement or already collecting, these strategies can help you maximize your senior benefits and strengthen your financial future.

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Wait as long as possible to collect Social Security

Delaying your Social Security benefits can significantly boost your monthly payments. Your benefit increases by about 8% for every year you wait past full retirement age (FRA), which is between ages 66 and 67 for most workers, depending on when you were born, until age 70.

That means a retiree who delays could potentially receive up to 24% more per month compared with claiming early. If you can rely on savings or part-time work in the meantime, waiting can make a major difference in your lifetime income.

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Work for at least 35 years

Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you worked fewer years, those missing years count as zeros — lowering your average and your eventual benefit.

Even adding a few extra years of part-time work late in your career may replace lower-earning years with higher ones, and could result in a larger monthly payout. Staying employed longer also gives you more time to save and reduce expenses before claiming benefits.

Move to somewhere less expensive or downsize your home

Housing costs are often a retiree's largest monthly expense, so relocating or downsizing may free up hundreds of dollars each month.

Moving to a smaller home, a lower-cost region, or even a state with lower taxes can stretch your benefits significantly. Simplifying your living situation can also lower maintenance and utility costs, leaving more room in your budget for essentials.

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Stop paying for any of your adult children's expenses

Many retirees may continue supporting adult children — whether by covering phone bills, rent, or groceries — but doing so can quietly eat into limited retirement income. Setting financial boundaries helps ensure your money supports your needs first.

If your children are working, encourage them to take on those expenses themselves. Freeing yourself from these recurring costs allows your Social Security benefits to stretch further and ensures you're prioritizing your own long-term security.

Reduce or eliminate all debt

Carrying debt into retirement can severely limit your financial flexibility. Focus first on paying off high-interest debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, before or early in retirement. Then, work on tackling your mortgage, which can be a big monthly expense for most people.

Without those monthly payments, your Social Security benefits can go further toward essential expenses like food and healthcare. Creating a realistic repayment plan can also help reduce stress and improve your sense of financial control.

Cut back on entertainment expenses

It's easy to overspend on streaming services, subscriptions, or dining out — especially when living alone. Review your monthly bills and identify nonessential costs that can be reduced or eliminated. Many retirees may find free or low-cost entertainment options through local community centers, libraries, or parks.

Cutting back on these small extras may not feel like much month to month, but the savings can add up quickly.

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Stop your benefits if you claimed them too soon

If you started claiming Social Security early and regret it, you might be able to stop your benefits and restart them later at a higher rate. The Social Security Administration allows retirees to withdraw their claim within 12 months of starting benefits, as long as they repay the amount received.

Once you restart your benefits, you'll receive a higher monthly payment based on your new age. This move isn't for everyone, but it can be a smart way to correct an early-claiming decision.

Avoid taking benefits early if you're still working while retired

If you plan to keep working past age 62, waiting to claim your benefits can prevent reductions and tax complications. When you earn above the annual limit — $23,400 in 2025 — the SSA temporarily withholds $1 for every $2 earned above that threshold until you reach FRA.

This means early claimers who keep working could potentially lose part of their monthly benefit. Waiting until full retirement age ensures you receive your full benefit amount and avoid unnecessary deductions.

Bottom line

Living on a single income can feel daunting, but solo retirees have more control over their financial outlook than they might think. By delaying benefits, reducing debt, and trimming unnecessary expenses, you can create more breathing room in your monthly budget and help your Social Security income last longer.

Even small adjustments — like cutting a recurring bill or working a little longer — can improve the stability of your retirement plan. Every smart financial choice you make today can help you feel more secure and confident in the years ahead.

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