As retirement nears, Social Security becomes more crucial than ever. In 2025, you could unlock up to $5,180 a month — but how?

Discover three surprisingly simple steps to boost your benefits and make your golden years even better.

Step 1: Timing is Everything—Choose the Right Retirement Age​

The age at which you choose to retire has a profound impact on your Social Security benefits.

The concept of “full retirement age” varies depending on your birth year, typically falling between 66 and 67.

Retiring before this age means you'll see a permanent reduction in your monthly benefits.


However, if you can afford to wait until age 70, you'll be rewarded with a substantial increase.

Why age 70, you ask? For every year you delay retirement past your full retirement age, you earn delayed retirement credits, which translate to a higher monthly benefit.

By 2025, if you retire at 70, you could be looking at that maximum benefit of $5,180 per month, thanks to the COLA. It's a waiting game that can pay off handsomely.

Step 2: The Long Haul—Accumulate a Solid Work History​

Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your average earnings over your 35 highest-paid years of work.

If you've worked fewer than 35 years, zeros are added to the equation, which can significantly drag down your average.

Therefore, it's crucial to hit that 35-year mark, and if possible, ensure those years are filled with steady, substantial earnings.

The more you earn and the longer you contribute to Social Security, the higher your benefit will be.

This doesn't mean you need to be a high-earner for all 35 years, but a consistent and competitive salary during your peak earning years can make a world of difference.

Step 3: Maximize Your Earnings—The Salary Effect​

The wages you earn throughout your career don't just affect your lifestyle at the time; they also play a pivotal role in determining your future Social Security benefits.

The system looks at the wages from your top 35 earning years when calculating your benefit.

Therefore, maximizing your earnings during your career is essential to inching closer to that $5,180 monthly cap.

This could mean seeking promotions, negotiating raises, or even switching jobs if there's a significant salary increase on the table.

Remember, every extra dollar you earn now could contribute to a higher Social Security check later.

The 2025 COLA and You​

The COLA in 2025 is set to be a game-changer for those who have played their cards right.

While the maximum benefit in 2024 stands at $4,873 for full retirement, the anticipated increase in 2025 is a beacon of hope for those aiming for the top.

By following the three steps outlined above—waiting until age 70 to retire, working at least 35 years, and maximizing your wages—you position yourself to take full advantage of the COLA increase.

In a previous story, read about the finalized payment schedule in 2025 for your Social Security and VA benefits.

While not every American will hit the maximum Social Security benefit, following these three steps can significantly boost your monthly check.

As you plan for retirement, consider these strategies as part of your financial toolkit. With the 2025 COLA on the horizon, now is the time to review your retirement plan and make any necessary adjustments.
Have you started planning for the COLA increase in your Social Security benefits? What strategies have you found most effective in maximizing your retirement income? Share your insights and advice in the comments below.