This little-known Social Security rule rewards some Americans who keep working after retirement

More than a quarter of Americans choose to start collecting Social Security at the first chance they get, which is 62. Most Americans, two in three, are already claiming their benefit before they reach full retirement age, which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later. It was slightly earlier for those born before 1960.

Starting to claim Social Security benefits before full retirement age comes with penalty, permanent lower monthly payments. Those who claim benefits at age 62 could see the monthly amount they are entitle to reduced by 30% compared to if they waited until full retirement age.

However, those who stick it out and keep working past full retirement age will get a reward from the Social Security Administration. For each year past 67 that a worker continues to contribute to Social Security until age 70, a claimant’s benefit gets boosted by 8%. This could mean receiving up to 24% more per month than the beneficiary would have otherwise been eligible for.

Below is a look at the different maximum Social Security benefit by age in 2026.

• 62: $2,969 per month
• 67: $4,152 per month
• 70: $5,181 per month

Keep in mind that these are the maximum possible amounts that only workers who had 35 years where their earnings met or exceeded the maximum amount taxed by Social Security. Currently in 2026 it is $184,500.

At any rate, it is advisable to speak with a professional financial advisor to find out what would work best for your own personal situation.

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