The maximum Social Security check is $5,108 and is expected to increase slightly in 2026. However, only a few Americans will ever see that full amount because it is hard to achieve, but that doesn’t mean you cannot. There are strategic steps you can take to increase your Social Security benefit and get close to the maximum check of $5,108.
It’s important to note that your earnings history, retirement decisions, and age of claiming the benefits play a huge role in maximizing Social Security benefits.
What is the Maximum Social Security Check in 2025?
The maximum Social Security benefit for retirees in 2025 is $5,108, which is an increase from $4,873, thanks to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This is the highest amount that a high-earning worker who claimed benefits at age 70 after working a full 35-year career or above the taxable maximum is eligible to receive.
The average monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is, however, far lower, and here are the figures:
- All retired workers- $ 1,976.
- Married Couple-$3,089.
- Disabled workers- $1,580
The difference between the maximum and the average benefit is huge, and that is why it is important to learn what you can do to maximize your benefits. Here are the steps to take:
a) Earn a Higher Wage to Maximize Your Future Benefits
To earn closer to the $5,108, it is important to increase your income during your peak earning years. When calculating benefits, Social Security calculates based on your 35 highest-earning years. In 2025, only the first $176,100 in wages are taxable for Social Security, and even if you earn more than that, only up to the wage cap will count toward your future benefits.
If you earn far below $176,100 annually, you should consider additional ways of increasing your income through side hustles, certifications, job changes, or promotions. Earning more can make a long-term difference in your retirement check.
b) Work for at Least 35 Years
Besides how much you earn, the number of years you work is also a major factor. When calculating your benefits, Social Security averages your 35 highest-income years. For example, if one worked for 26 years, the Social Security Administration adds 9 zero-income years into the calculation, and this pulls down your average.
When one works for a full 35 years, there are no zero-years added and therefore your benefits are not diluted. It is also even better if your income increases as you continue to work because each additional year could replace the year when you started working when probably you earned lower.
c) Delay Claiming Benefits as Long as Possible
Claiming your benefits early, before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) can reduce your monthly payment significantly. Although it’s possible to claim your Social Security benefits at the age of 62, your monthly check will be reduced by about 30% compared to what you would get if you claimed at 67, which is the FRA for those born in 1960 or later. If you wait past FRA, your benefit grows by about 8% per year until age 70. Therefore, you could get close to the maximum Social Security check of $5,108 if you delayed benefits until age 70.
d) Avoid the Early Retirement Penalties
Taking benefits before your FRA could attract penalties on earnings. If you don’t reach FRA in 2025, Social Security will deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,400. If you do reach FRA in 2025, you only lose $1 for every 3 earned above $62,100.
e) Plan Beyond Social Security
You can prepare for a financially strong retirement if you don’t get the $5,108 maximum Social Security in 2026. This is possible if you have additional sources of income like pensions, 401(k)s or IRAs, rental income, and part-time work.
f) Withdraw IF You Claimed Too Early
If you had claimed your benefits early but realized you made a mistake, you can withdraw your application within 12 months and qualify for a higher amount. However, you must first repay all the benefits you had received, including Medicare premiums and taxes.
Conclusion
Getting the maximum Social Security check of $5,108 is not an easy task, but it is possible, especially if you are still working. The steps explained above can enable you to get close, if not to hit the full amount. It is important to plan your retirement wisely because it could mean hundreds or thousands more or less in your monthly Social Security check.