Are you retired and wondering if you’ve maxed out your Social Security benefits? Think again. While many seniors settle for the average payment — roughly $1,976 a month in 2025 — thousands of retirees are boosting their benefits to $2,187 or more per month using little-known strategies. And yes — you can still increase your monthly check even after you’ve started collecting benefits. Here’s how smart retirees are doing it and what steps you can take today.
What’s Behind the $2,187 Social Security Boost?
That $2,187 figure isn’t just wishful thinking — it’s based on actual strategies used by high-earning or long-working retirees who take full advantage of the Social Security formula. The Social Security Administration calculates benefits using your 35 highest-earning years, your full retirement age, and whether you delay claiming benefits. Understanding how these elements interact can unlock hundreds more per month — sometimes even thousands — in your retirement years.
While not everyone will reach this figure, many retirees are closer to it than they think. The key is understanding how Social Security calculates your benefit and making a few smart moves — even after you’ve already filed.
5 Ways to Boost Your Monthly Social Security Check
1. Keep Working (Yes, Even After Retirement):
If you’ve already filed but are still working, your current earnings could replace one of your lower-income years in the 35-year average Social Security uses to calculate your benefit. If your recent income is high enough, the Social Security Administration will automatically recalculate your monthly check and increase it — no action needed.
2. Delay Claiming as Long as Possible:
If you haven’t filed yet, delaying your claim can increase your benefits by up to 8% per year past your full retirement age, up to age 70. For many retirees, this alone is the fastest path to reaching the $2,187 target.
3. Check Your Earnings Record:
Mistakes on your Social Security record can cost you money. Log into your My Social Security account at SSA.gov and review your income history. If there are missing or incorrect years, you can request a correction, and that alone could bump your benefits.
4. Work at Least 35 Years:
Social Security calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you only worked 30, for example, five zero-income years are included in the formula — which drags your benefit down. Even part-time work in retirement can help raise your average.
5. Consider Spousal or Survivor Benefits:
If you’re widowed or married, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits, which could be higher than your own. If you’re already collecting your own benefit, you might be able to switch to a larger spousal benefit.
Real-Life Example
Take a retiree who worked for 38 years, earning steadily throughout their career. They delayed claiming until age 70 and continued to work part-time after filing. Their earnings history included multiple six-figure years and no gaps. With that profile, it’s entirely possible to reach — or even exceed — the $2,187 monthly benefit amount.
What If You’ve Already Filed?
Even if you’re already retired and receiving Social Security, you still have options. You can work additional high-earning years to replace lower-earning years, request corrections to your earnings history, or explore benefit switches (like switching from your own record to a higher spousal benefit if eligible).
Final Takeaway
Reaching or exceeding a $2,187 monthly Social Security benefit is possible — but it takes planning, knowledge, and sometimes, action after you’ve retired. Don’t assume your current check is all you’ll ever get. The Social Security Administration recalculates your benefit if you qualify for a bump, and those small changes can add up to big results over time.
If you’re serious about maximizing your retirement income, it’s worth reviewing your Social Security strategy or speaking with a retirement advisor.
