Getting the best possible Social Security check in their retirement years is one of the primary goals of US citizens. This type of benefit is essential in many American households because some citizens do not have another source of income.
As a result, getting the largest check possible is critical and essential. Without a good Social Security payment, retirement can be a difficult time in life. To get a good check, we simply need to maximize our retirement options. We can only do that while we are working.
How can we maximize our Social Security payment?
In 2025, the highest Social Security payment is $5,180. Although it is true that reaching such a high figure is difficult, we can achieve it based on our work history.
- Retirement age. The minimum age for Social Security is 62, but it is a mistake to apply for the check so early if we want to have a high benefit. In order to enjoy it to the full, it is better to wait until the age of 70.
- Years worked. The minimum number of years worked to avoid a penalty in Social Security is 35 years. Any time less than that will mean we lose part of our benefit. The Administration calculates the cheque based on the 35 years worked with the highest salary.
- The salary as a worker. This section is related to the previous one. If we take this into account, the payment will be higher the higher our salary.
Taking all this into account, we can conclude that it is necessary to have a high wage for 35 years and to retire as late as possible. Only in this way will we be able to obtain a monthly benefit of $5,180, if not something close to it.
Additional Social Security payments
The truth is that if our Social Security payment is insufficient, we can always apply for additional benefits provided by the United States government. Without a doubt, other checks like SSI or SNAP can be extremely beneficial.
On the one hand, SNAP Food Stamps provide a check for up to $292 to purchase food. This payment is very beneficial to all Americans with low incomes. On the other hand, SSI provides up to $967 per month, depending on your income.
