The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to face pressure as its trust funds risk running out in the coming years. According to projections released in June, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund will only be able to pay 100% of benefits until 2034.
After that, if no action is taken, Social Security may only be able to cover about 75% of promised benefits, leaving millions of Americans with smaller monthly checks.
While lawmakers debate solutions, individuals can take practical steps to maximize their Social Security benefits.
The current maximum Social Security benefit
In 2025, the highest possible monthly Social Security check is $5,108. To consistently qualify for this amount (and the new maximum in 2026), Americans must meet strict requirements.
There are two main strategies: working at least 35 years at high earnings and delaying benefits until age 70.
Work 35 years to qualify for the top payout
Social Security benefits are calculated based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. If you don’t have 35 years of work, the missing years count as zero, lowering your average.
To hit the maximum payout, you must:
Work at least 35 years.
Earn the maximum taxable income every year.
For 2025, the maximum taxable earnings are $176,100. That means someone aiming for the top benefit at age 62 in 2025 would need to have earned that amount or more for 35 years straight.
This is why very few Americans qualify. The average U.S. annual salary in 2025 is about $66,622, far below the required threshold.
Delay benefits until age 70
The second path to higher benefits is to delay claiming until age 70. While you can start as early as 62, claiming early means smaller checks that last longer. Waiting increases your benefit by about 8% per year after full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on your birth year).
Delaying until 70 is often recommended for healthy seniors who can afford to wait. Studies suggest that for many Americans, postponing benefits results in higher lifetime payouts, especially if they live into their 80s or 90s.
No one-size-fits-all answer
Choosing when to claim Social Security is deeply personal. Some may need the money immediately at 62 due to job loss or health issues. Others may choose to wait, especially if they’re still working or have other income sources.
Both strategies have pros and cons, but the key is to plan carefully and consider how long you expect to live, your financial needs, and whether you want to maximize your lifetime income.
The bigger picture: Social Security’s future
While individuals weigh their choices, lawmakers are exploring solutions to strengthen Social Security. Recently, two U.S. senators proposed legislation to prevent the trust funds from being depleted.
Meanwhile, the SSA is also preparing a major change in September 2025 that could affect recipients’ payments. Beneficiaries are urged to stay alert and take any required action to avoid disruptions in their benefits.
The Social Security system faces uncertainty, with full benefits guaranteed only until 2034. But Americans can still take steps to protect their income. By working 35 high-earning years or delaying benefits until 70, retirees can get closer to the maximum monthly check.
While not everyone can achieve this, careful planning can help secure a stronger financial future, even as Congress works on long-term fixes.
