5 ways to boost your Social Security benefit even after you claim — are you missing out on thousands of dollars?
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Most retirees probably know that the timing of their claim is crucial for the size of their Social Security benefit. Anyone born after 1960 can start receiving their checks as early as 62 with a reduction or as late as 70 with a significant bump, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) (1).
But what if you’ve already completed your claim? Is it too late to boost your payout? Not really. In fact, there are five key ways to increase your monthly paycheck from the SSA, which could unlock hundreds, if not thousands, of additional dollars over the course of your retirement.
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Here’s a closer look.
1. Work another year
The SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings (2), indexed for inflation, to determine the size of your benefits. However, the clock doesn’t stop after you file your claim. If you work another year while collecting benefits, and the paycheck is higher than one of the years in your early career, you could boost your overall payout for subsequent years.
For instance, someone with decades of experience as a lawyer could probably work just a few hours a week in retirement and offset a year in their early 20s when they worked on minimum wage.
This could be your most potent tool to boost your benefits.
2. Correct your earnings record
The 35-year record on your Social Security file may not necessarily be accurate. You may have been self-employed for a few years and failed to report income accurately, or your employer may have made a mistake on your paperwork.
The good news is that you can correct your record with the SSA even after you file. Log in to your account and check the 35 years the agency is using and report any discrepancies.
You don’t need to do this alone. A professional financial adviser or tax planner can help you parse through decades of W2s and tax filings to find errors or omissions. If you’re relatively affluent, with a nest egg worth at least $250,000, hiring a professional could be a game changer even without the Social Security boost.
If you have a portfolio of $250,000 or more, platforms like WiserAdvisor can connect you with vetted professionals who specialize in this kind of planning.
Simply answer a few questions about your savings, retirement timeline and overall investment portfolio.
From there, WiserAdvisor reviews its network to match you — for free — with up to three vetted, reputable advisors aligned with your specific needs.
You can then schedule no-obligation consultations with your matches to determine who is the best fit for your long-term goals.
WiserAdvisor is a matching service and does not provide financial advice directly. All matched advisors are third parties, and specific financial results are not guaranteed.
3. Earn above the earnings limit
If you claimed benefits before your Full Retirement Age, you’re subject to an annual earnings test (3). For every $2 you earn above $24,480 in 2026, the SSA deducts $1 from your benefits check. If you’re at FRA in 2026, the limit is set at $5,160, above which $1 is withheld for every $3 of extra earnings.
The good news is that you don’t lose these benefits. They are simply withheld and given back to you with an additional bump when you cross FRA later. So, don’t fear the earnings test, and you could boost your benefits over time even after you claim.
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Backed by world-class investors, including Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of vacation and rental properties, earning a passive income stream without the extra work that comes with being a landlord of your own rental property.
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4. Suspend benefits
This is a little-known but powerful option for seniors who claimed Social Security before the age of 70. The SSA allows you to voluntarily suspend your benefits (4). You can choose to do this for a single month or a prolonged period. These suspended benefits will earn delayed retirement credits and be delivered back to you from age 70.
In other words, you can skip and boost your overall payment down the road.
5. Full reset
The SSA also allows you to cancel or withdraw your claim (5) within 12 months of approval. So, if you think you claimed too early and are unhappy with your monthly payout, this option lets you hit full reset and delay your claim until later to boost your payments.
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Social Security Administration (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.