Almost every retired person wants to get more Social Security benefit than needed. In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit can be $5,108 i.e. about ₹ 4.25 lakh per month – and it is difficult to achieve, but not impossible. If you also want to know what has to be done to get this benefit, then this information is useful for you.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Benefit (2025) | $5,108 per month (at age 70) |
| Maximum Taxable Income (2025) | $176,100 annually (as per Social Security Administration) |
| Years of Work Required | At least 35 years of earning at or above the maximum taxable income |
| Age to Claim for Maximum Benefit | 70 years old (delayed retirement credits apply) |
| Official Social Security Website | www.ssa.gov |
| Full Retirement Age (FRA) | 67 (for those born in 1960 or later) |
| Benefit Reduction if Claimed Early | Up to 30% less if claimed at age 62 |
| Delayed Retirement Credit | 8% increase per year past FRA up to age 70 |
Who can get such a high benefit?
There are three important things to do to get this maximum Social Security benefit:
- Earn maximum taxable income for 35 consecutive years
- Work at least for 35 years
- Delay in claiming Social Security – i.e. wait till the age of 70
Let’s understand these things in simple language.
Why is the Social Security benefit different for everyone?
Not everyone gets the same amount of money because it depends on your earnings record. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your highest 35 years of income, adjusts it for inflation, and then calculates your average monthly income (AIME).
If you don’t earn income that falls within the SSA’s taxable limit each year, you won’t get the full $5,108. In 2024, the average American was only earning about $1,907.
Step-by-step guide: How to get the maximum benefit of $5,108
Step 1: Earn the maximum taxable income each year
The maximum taxable income limit in 2025 is $176,100. This means you need to earn this much or more each year for 35 years to make the most contributions to the system.
Step 2: Work at least 35 years
If you work less than 35 years, the remaining years are considered “0 income” and your average will be reduced. That’s why it’s important to work hard and consistently.
Step 3: Don’t claim until age 70
You can start taking Social Security at age 62, but if you wait and claim at age 70, your benefit can increase by as much as 124%.
- At 62: About 70% benefit
- At 67 (Full Retirement Age): 100% benefit
- At 70: 124% benefit
What else matters?
COLA
Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted for inflation (COLA). In 2024, it’s 3.2%, which helps you keep your cool.
Taxes
If you have a lot of other income, Social Security benefits can be taxed as much as 85%.
Spousal and family plans
You can also receive up to half (50%) of your spouse’s benefit. If your partner passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits.
Rules like WEP and GPO
If you worked in a government job that did not have Social Security deductions, your benefit may be reduced. This is called WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) and GPO (Government Pension Offset).
Health and age
Not everyone has to wait until age 70. If you are not in good health or think you will not live long enough, you can claim early.
Example: How did John get $5,108?
John worked at a tech company and earned more than $176,100 per year for 35 years. He waited until age 70 and then claimed. The result: He gets $5,108 per month.
If he retired at 62, he would have received just $3,575 – a loss of more than Rs 15 lakh annually.
How to increase your Social Security benefit?
- Check your income record: Keep checking your earnings information on the SSA website www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Take advantage of your job’s pension plan
- Delay Social Security: Use other savings first
- Combine spousal plans: This may result in a higher total benefit
FAQs
What if I don’t earn the maximum income?
You will then receive benefits based on your earnings.
Can I work after retirement?
Yes, but if you claimed before FRA and earned more than the income limit, there may be some deduction.
How to know your Social Security estimate?
Find out by logging on to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Is it worth it to wait until age 70?
Yes, for most people it makes sense because it significantly increases the monthly amount.
What are WEP and GPO?
If you worked a job that didn’t have Social Security deductions, these rules could reduce your benefits.
Conclusion:
If you want a comfortable retirement, start planning now. Consistent income, working long hours and delaying retirement a little can significantly increase your Social Security benefits.