The average Social Security benefit crossed $2,000 per month in May 2025, offering retirees roughly $24,000 a year. While this might sound decent, most seniors know it’s not enough to comfortably cover living expenses. But the good news is: your benefit doesn’t have to stop at average. With the right approach, it’s very possible to increase your monthly payment.
Three important steps can help boost your future Social Security income: working for at least 35 years, maximizing your income throughout your career, and choosing the most beneficial age to start collecting your payments. Each of these factors plays a big role in how much you ultimately receive, and small improvements can lead to bigger monthly checks.
Additionally, married couples can plan together to make the most of their combined benefits. By coordinating when each person files, especially if one spouse earned significantly more, you can unlock higher household income in retirement. While nothing is guaranteed, following these tips can definitely improve your chances of earning more than the average benefit.
How to Beat the Average $2,000 Social Security Check
Social Security benefits hit a milestone in May 2025, with average monthly checks finally crossing the $2,000 mark. On paper, that’s nearly $24,000 a year. But in reality, it’s still a tight budget, especially when you factor in rent, healthcare, food, and other daily expenses. The good news? That $2,000 isn’t a cap—it’s just an average. If you’re not yet collecting benefits, there are a few smart ways to increase your future checks.
1. Aim for at Least 35 Years of Work
Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of income, adjusted for inflation. If you’ve worked fewer years, those missing years are counted as zero, which pulls down your average. That’s why working for 35 years—or more—can make a big difference. If you’re earning more now than you did earlier in your career, continuing to work could push out lower-earning years and boost your benefit even more.
2. Increase Your Earnings During Your Career
Social Security benefits are linked to how much you earn and pay in taxes. So, the more you make during your working years (up to the yearly taxable limit, which is $176,100 in 2025), the bigger your benefit could be. A raise, a better-paying job, or even a side business can contribute. Just keep in mind, income above the taxable cap won’t affect your future checks, though it might help your current lifestyle.
3. Pick the Right Time to Start Your Benefits
When you start collecting Social Security matters—a lot. If you apply at your full retirement age (67 for most people), you’ll get your full benefit. Claiming earlier means you get smaller checks for life—up to 30% less if you start at 62. Waiting until age 70 gives you a bonus: your monthly payment could be up to 24% higher. The best time depends on your health and finances. If you’re in good health and can afford to wait, delaying could pay off.
Special Considerations for Married Couples
If you’re married, planning together can make a big difference. For example, if one spouse earned much more, the lower earner could claim early and the higher earner could delay. Later, the lower earner might switch to a spousal benefit, which could be more than their own. This strategy can help maximize your combined monthly income and offer more financial flexibility down the road.
What If You Need the Money Sooner?
Not everyone can afford to wait. If delaying your benefit means going into debt or struggling to pay bills, it may be best to claim earlier. Even holding off for just a few months could slightly improve your checks. For those with serious health issues, claiming early might make more sense, especially if there’s a concern you may not benefit from waiting. On the other hand, delaying can increase your spouse’s survivor benefits, so it’s worth thinking through both short-term needs and long-term outcomes.
Plan Smart, Retire Strong
There’s no magic fix to beat the average Social Security benefit, but by working longer, increasing your earnings, and timing your claim wisely, you can raise your monthly income. And if you’re married, making decisions together can stretch those benefits even further. Whether you’re years from retirement or just around the corner, the choices you make today can have a lasting impact on your financial future.
Many people overlook lesser-known strategies that could add thousands to their Social Security checks. With the right plan, some retirees have managed to increase their yearly income by over $23,000. Learning how to take full advantage of the system could make a big difference in how comfortably you live during retirement.
