Any of these can make a noticeable difference in your check.
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank has proposed capping annual Social Security benefits for married couples at $100,000 as a way to reduce a looming deficit in retirement trust funds.
I signed up for Social Security early to get the biggest check possible, but now I’m worried that I’ve changed in a short period of time. If you apply as early as possible, your monthly benefit can be reduced by up to 30%. For many, it also translates into reduced lifetime benefits.
But it’s not all bad news. Even after you apply, there are still ways to increase your Social Security check. If any of the following four items apply to you, your benefits may increase by more than the cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2027:
1. Withdraw your Social Security application
You can withdraw your Social Security application within 12 months of filing. You must also repay any benefits you and any family members listed on your work record previously received from the program.
If you do this, the government will treat you as if you never applied for Social Security. Each month you wait to reapply increases your future benefits. However, this is a one-time offer, so think carefully before signing up again.
2. Pause your application at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
Those who are unable to withdraw their Social Security claims can suspend their benefits once they reach Full Retirement Age (FRA) (67 for most people). You do not have to pay the money back for this, but you will have to get used to going without a check for some time.
While you’re not receiving benefits, your check will increase by two-thirds of 1% per month, or 8% per year. This continues until you request your benefits to resume or reach age 70, which is when you are eligible to receive the maximum amount of benefits.
3. I am working and earning more money than I have in years past.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your average earnings over the 35 years you earned the most when calculating your benefits. But if you’re still working while claiming the check, your highest-earning years over the past 35 years may change even after you file.
If you’re making more money now than in years past, your check could grow a little bit each year, separate from your COLA. SSA will review your earnings history annually and update your benefits as necessary.
4. Reaching FRA after losing the earnings test
The Social Security earnings test reduces benefits for early claimants who earn more than a certain amount from work each year. Once you reach your FRA, you get that money back as a benefit boost. If you plan to reach your goal in 2026 and suffered losses on the earnings test in previous years, expect to see more in your birthday month payments.
If you have questions about your Social Security benefits or the factors that affect them, please contact the SSA. This can be done by phone or by visiting your local Social Security office.
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