(Courtesy of Medicare Done) Many retirees assume their Social Security check is set in stone once they claim benefits—but did you know you can increase your benefit by continuing to work?
Social Security calculates your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you had low-earning years early in your career, or even some years with no earnings, those zeros bring your average down. But if you keep working—even part-time—you can replace those low-earning years with higher-income years, raising your future payments. Here’s how it works:
- Your benefit is recalculated annually if new earnings are higher than past years in your record.
- Even after you start claiming benefits, working could still result in higher payments.
- This strategy works best for those with career gaps, worked lower-paying jobs earlier in life, or saw income growth later in their careers.
We can help you navigate these decisions. Social Security gives you one chance to get it right—forever. Schedule a free Social Security consultation with Yeshaya Jeremias, RSSA, at 248-919-8193 or email [email protected] to ensure you maximize your benefits. This is a bimonthly series featured in the Health and Business editions focusing on Social Security planning.
