If you are aiming to boost your Social Security benefit beyond the average $2,000 per month, the first thing you need to focus on is your work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your benefit using your highest 35 years of earnings. That means if you have not worked 35 full years yet, every year that is missing gets counted as a zero in the formula. And yes, zeros drag your average down.
So what can you do? Keep working until you hit 35 years—ideally more. Even if you have already logged 35 years, working additional years at a higher income can bump your lower-earning years out of the calculation and raise your benefit. It is not just about putting in time—it is also about increasing your earnings during those years whenever possible.
Does working longer increase Social Security benefits?
Absolutely—working longer does more than just help you reach the 35-year mark. It also gives your benefit a boost if you delay claiming it. You can start collecting Social Security as early as age 62, but if you wait until your full retirement age (which is usually around 66 or 67, depending on your birth year), you get your full benefit. But the real magic happens if you wait even longer.
For every year you delay claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you earn what are called delayed retirement credits. These credits increase your benefit by about 8% per year, up until age 70. So, for example, if your full retirement benefit is $2,000 at age 67, waiting until 70 could increase it to about $2,480. That is a huge difference—especially if you live a long life.
Delaying might not be the right move for everyone, but if you are in good health and have other sources of income to live on, waiting can really pay off.
Do higher earnings really raise my Social Security check?
Yes, they do. Your benefit is based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) during your highest-paid 35 years. So, if you can increase your income—even in your later working years—it can still make a difference.
That means taking on extra projects, negotiating for raises, or even switching to a higher-paying job if you are able. If you are self-employed, it might mean reporting more of your income or adjusting your tax strategy to reflect higher earnings. Just remember, Social Security only taxes income up to a certain cap ($168,600 in 2024), so income above that will not impact your benefit.
Even one high-earning year can replace a low or zero-income year and raise your average, which in turn increases your monthly check.
Want to make the most of Social Security?
Stick to these three core strategies: work at least 35 years, delay claiming your benefits if you can, and try to earn more during your working years. They are all simple steps, but the impact on your future income can be powerful.
