3 Ways to Get More Benefits in 2025

Ideally, you should save well for retirement so that you don't have to deal with financial stress as you get older. However, there's a good chance you'll also become dependent on Social Security to some extent.

That's why it's so important to do everything you can to get the biggest Social Security paycheck. And if you play your cards right in the new year, you can set yourself up for a larger pension in retirement. Here are three important steps to take in 2025.

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your monthly benefit based on your income level. So the more you earn over the course of your career, the higher your future salary may be. That's why it's worth trying to increase your income in 2025.

Of course, a higher salary also means more financial flexibility in the short term to not only cover your bills, but also do things like fund your 401(k) or IRA. But it could also lead to more social security in retirement. Therefore, work on developing your professional skills as this could land you a promotion that comes with a raise.

You should also know that it's not just income from employment that could give you better social security. Part-time income also counts. So even if your salary stays the same throughout the year, managing to earn an extra $5,000 through a lucrative side gig could help you boost your Social Security checks in retirement.

It's not a given that the SSA will have accurate earnings data for you. And underreporting your income could result in a lower monthly benefit later.

Be sure to check your earnings records sometime in 2025 to make sure they are accurate. You can do this by creating an account on the SSA website and accessing your current earnings statement. This statement contains a lot of helpful information, such as an estimate of your future monthly Social Security benefit.

If you turn 62 in 2025, that means you'll be eligible for Social Security benefits because that's the earliest age you can claim. But continuing to work could be worth it for several reasons.

First, waiting until full retirement age will help you avoid a reduction in your monthly Social Security benefit. And even if you reach full retirement age in 2025, delaying your application beyond that point will result in a lifetime pension increase. You will be financially rewarded if you delay your claim until age 70.

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