15 Ways to Get More Social Security

Don’t earn too much if you retire early

Once you retire and start taking Social Security, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on any extra money you make, because that can reduce your benefits. If you’re younger than your full retirement age, Social Security in 2019 cuts $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn over $17,640.

In the year that you reach full retirement age, your benefits will shrink by $1 for every $3 earned above $46,920 — until you hit your birthday. After that, you can earn as much as you want, with no impact on your benefits.