15 Ways to Get More Social Security

Work longer and delay your claim

If you can hold off on claiming your Social Security, the system will reward you with a bigger monthly benefit. You can start collecting at age 62, but you’ll receive a reduced monthly benefit for as long as you live.

Each year that you wait beyond your full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on when you were born) increases your benefit amount by 8%, until you reach age 70.

Waiting until 70 is another one of the keys to receiving the maximum benefit. If you’re still working in your 60s and earning a good income, it makes sense to work longer, put more money into savings and bank more high-earnings years in your “best 35.”