Starting Now – 7 Smart Moves To Boost Your Social Security Check Before Year-End 2025
Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you can take. For many Americans, Social Security is a major source of income, and the size of that check can make a big difference in quality of life.
While Social Security is a fixed income program, there are strategies you can use to maximize your benefits before the end of 2025.
From working longer to making smart claiming decisions, here are seven moves that can help you secure a bigger payout.
1. Max Out Your Earnings
In 2025, the maximum taxable earnings limit (wage base) is $176,100. Any income earned beyond this amount is not subject to Social Security payroll taxes and won’t increase your benefits.
By ensuring your income reaches or comes close to this threshold, you maximize contributions and future payout potential. Workers contribute 6.2% of earnings, matched by employers, for a total of 12.4%.
2. Work for at Least 35 Years
The Social Security Administration calculates benefits based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you’ve worked fewer years, the missing years are counted as zeros, lowering your average.
By extending your career or replacing low-earning years with higher-income years, you can substantially raise your benefit amount.
3. Delay Claiming Benefits
While you can claim Social Security as early as age 62, doing so permanently reduces your monthly check. The Full Retirement Age (FRA) is currently 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959.
By waiting until age 70, you can earn delayed retirement credits that increase your benefit by up to 8% per year past FRA, significantly boosting your income.
4. Understand the Earnings Test
If you claim benefits before reaching FRA and continue working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced under the retirement earnings test.
- If you are under FRA for the full year in 2025, you lose $1 for every $2 earned above $23,400.
- If you reach FRA in 2025, the rule changes to $1 for every $3 earned above $62,160.
- Once you reach FRA, there is no earnings limit.
| Scenario | 2025 Earnings Limit | Benefit Reduction Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under FRA (all year) | $23,400 | $1 withheld for every $2 above |
| Reaching FRA in 2025 | $62,160 | $1 withheld for every $3 above |
| After FRA | No limit | No benefits withheld |
Although reductions apply, benefits are recalculated at FRA, so you don’t permanently lose them.
5. Claim Spousal or Survivor Benefits
If your spouse has a higher earning record, you may qualify for spousal benefits worth up to 50% of their primary benefit.
Similarly, survivor benefits can provide critical income for widows or widowers. This option can be especially valuable for households where one partner earned significantly more.
6. Withdraw or Suspend Benefits Strategically
If you regret claiming early, you can withdraw your benefits within 12 months of filing. This requires repaying what you’ve received but allows you to restart later at a higher rate.
If you’re past FRA but under 70, you can also suspend benefits to earn delayed retirement credits, further increasing your future payout.
7. Use Roth Accounts to Reduce Taxation
Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) withdrawals are not counted as taxable income for Social Security purposes. This strategy allows retirees to reduce their taxable income, avoid benefit reductions, and keep more of their Social Security check. Building up Roth savings now can safeguard your benefits later.
Quick Reference
| Strategy | Key 2025 Numbers |
|---|---|
| Wage Base Limit | $176,100 |
| Payroll Tax Rate | 12.4% total |
| FRA for 1959 Birth Year | 66 years, 10 months |
| Max Delayed Retirement Credit | 8% per year until 70 |
| Under-FRA Earnings Limit | $23,400 |
| Reaching-FRA Earnings Limit | $62,160 |
| Max Monthly Benefit (2025) | Around $5,108 |
Social Security may be a cornerstone of retirement, but how much you receive depends on the decisions you make today.
By maximizing earnings, delaying benefits, managing work income, and using smart claiming strategies, you can lock in a higher monthly check before year-end 2025. With these seven moves, you’ll be better prepared for a more secure retirement.
FAQs
The maximum benefit at full retirement age is lower, but those who delay until age 70 could receive up to $5,108 per month.
Yes, but if you’re under FRA, your benefits may be reduced once your earnings exceed the annual limits. After FRA, no limits apply.
Each year you delay past FRA, your benefit increases by about 8%, up to age 70.