10 Smart & Legal Ways to Increase Your Social Security Check

Living on Social Security alone can be tough. The average monthly check is around $2,000, which often isn’t enough to cover rent, groceries, prescriptions, and everything else. But the truth is, many people are eligible for more money and don’t even know it.

If you’re already receiving benefits—or just planning ahead for retirement—there are several simple, legal ways to increase your monthly check. These tips can help you avoid common mistakes and uncover extra income that could make a big difference.

1. Fix Errors in Your Earnings Record

Your Social Security benefit is based on your lifetime earnings. If there are mistakes in your record—like a missing year or incorrect amount—it could lower your benefit. Even a small error can cost you hundreds of dollars every year.

You can check your earnings history by logging into your My Social Security account. If you spot a mistake, contact the Social Security Administration to request a correction.

2. Claim the Benefits You’re Actually Eligible For

A lot of people don’t know they may qualify for more than just their own retirement benefit. For example, if you were married for 10 or more years, you might be able to claim up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s benefit—even if they’ve remarried. It won’t reduce their benefit at all.

Survivors may also qualify for higher benefits than their own. If you’re a widow or widower, ask about survivor benefits and compare it to your current payment. The SSA won’t always tell you unless you ask directly.

3. Work While You Collect—Just Be Careful

If you’re under full retirement age, you can still work while receiving Social Security, but there’s an earnings limit. In 2025, you can earn up to about $22,000 before they start withholding part of your check. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without a penalty. In fact, extra income after retirement age could even increase your monthly benefit over time.

4. Apply for Extra Help or SSI

If your income is very low, you may be eligible for other programs that can boost your overall financial stability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate monthly payment for people with limited income and resources. You might also qualify for Extra Help with Medicare costs, which can reduce your premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Programs like these can keep more money in your pocket each month. Check our Medicare guides to see what’s available to you.

5. Keep Working Until You Hit 35 Years

Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your benefit. If you haven’t worked 35 years, they’ll plug in zeros for the missing years, which drags down your average. Even part-time work can replace those zeros with real income, which can lead to a better monthly payment.

6. Boost Your Reported Earnings

The more you earn—and report—the higher your benefit will be. If you’re self-employed or working jobs that pay under the table, those wages won’t count toward your Social Security check. Be sure all your income is reported to the IRS to get credit for it when it’s time to retire.

7. Delay Claiming If You Can

It’s tempting to claim benefits as soon as you turn 62, but doing so can shrink your check by up to 30% for life. Waiting until your full retirement age (usually around 66–67) increases your benefit. And if you can wait until age 70, you’ll receive the highest possible payment.

8. Coordinate With Your Spouse

If you’re married, you can often boost your total household income by planning your claims together. For example, one spouse may choose to claim early while the other delays to maximize their own benefit. Lower earners may also want to consider spousal benefits if those would be higher than what they’d receive on their own record.

9. Ask About Survivor and Dependent Benefits

If someone in your household has passed away or become disabled, it’s worth checking to see if any dependent or survivor benefits apply. Many people are eligible for extra support and don’t realize it because they were never told.

10. Review Your Medicare Costs

Medicare premiums often come out of your Social Security check automatically—and they can take a big chunk. If you’re low income, there are programs that can cover those premiums and even help with co-pays or deductibles.

Relief Recap

Social Security is complicated, but getting the most out of your benefits doesn’t have to be. Small steps—like reviewing your earnings history, working a little longer, or applying for assistance—can make a meaningful difference in your monthly income.

You’ve earned these benefits, and you deserve every dollar. Whether you’re already collecting or still preparing for retirement, these strategies can help stretch your money further and bring a little more breathing room each month.