4 Ways to Get More Cash Out of Social Security

There are solid ways and legitimate strategies that can add to your Social Security payouts, and they’re all fairly easy to implement.

Brian O'Connell

Published: 3/17/2026, 11:07:05 AM EDT

4 Ways to Get More Cash Out of Social Security — A person holds U.S. $100 bills in Washington on Nov. 13, 2025. (Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times)

With Social Security Administration (SSA) funding at risk, and government economists noting reserve funds could run out as early as 2032, it’s up to program recipients to maximize their eligible funds while the SSA still operates at full strength.

The good news is that there are solid ways and legitimate strategies that can add to your Social Security payouts, and they’re all fairly easy to implement, as long as you understand the rules.

“There is no Social Security 'secret bonus', but there are decisions that can change the amount,” Andrew Gosselin, CPA and senior contributor at New Jersey-based Save My Cent, told NTD News.

For example, the age at which it is claimed or the income history can affect the amount of assets received.

Other strategies include waiting longer to claim or coordinating benefits with a spouse, which can generate higher payments.

“These aren’t SSA bonuses,” Gosselin said. “Instead, there are several decisions made in order to increase your payment amounts.”

These strategies should add cash to a recipient's Social Security funds.

Wait as Long as Possible

The clearest way to increase the payment is to wait before making a claim. “If you do it too early, you reduce the monthly benefit,” Gosselin noted. “If you can wait until 70, the so-called delayed retirement credits make it higher.”

Program specialists say that by waiting until age 70 rather than taking Social Security benefits at age 62, recipients can receive significantly more cash. For instance, in 2026 the difference between the maximum Social Security payout for a recipient who retires early at 62 and one who waits until 70 is $2,282.

“Claiming at 62 is a very common mistake, which reduces monthly benefits for life,” Gosselin said. “Also, make sure to analyze income, family situation, and even life expectancy first, as payment periods are a very important decision.”

Optimize Spousal Payouts

For married couples, spousal benefit coordination matters.

“Sometimes it makes sense for the lower earner to claim Social Security benefits early while the higher earner delays to maximize the survivor benefit,” Josh Katz, CPA and founder of Josh Katz CPA, told NTD News.

Maximizing spousal benefits often starts with understanding timing strategies and eligibility nuances. “A crucial approach is to delay claiming benefits until full retirement age or beyond, as this can unlock the highest possible payments,” Mark Pamatian, founder of Chief Bookkeeping Officer, told NTD.

Keep Working Until Your Full Retirement Age

Another way to optimize Social Security funds is to keep working if you're collecting before full retirement age. “That way you'll keep building credits that can increase your benefit later,” Katz said.

Katz advises checking your earnings record on ssa.gov. “I've caught errors where clients weren't credited for years they actually worked, and fixing that bumped their benefit up,” he said.

Check for Disability Payments

If you’ve suffered a debilitating injury or illness on the job and it’s permanent, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments. SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly income to U.S. workers who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes and who cannot work due to a severe, long-term disability.

“Many individuals stop working and start drawing early Social Security without realizing that they may be eligible for SSD, which offers a larger monthly benefit than early retirement benefits, as well as Medicare,” Mary Ellen O’Connor, owner at O’Connor Law PLLC, told NTD. “Additionally, dependent children under 18 are also eligible for monthly benefits.”

If You’re Looking For More SSA Cash, Avoid This Error

Claiming at 62 without understanding the permanent reduction in payouts can seriously curb program funds.

“If your full retirement age is 67 and you claim at 62, you're taking a 30 percent haircut on your benefit for life,” Katz said. “That doesn't go away; you're stuck with it. The math almost never works out in favor of claiming at 62 unless you've got serious health issues and don't expect to live past 75.”

The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. NTD does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. NTD holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.