New Social Security Law Promises Higher Benefits, But Challenges Remain

• The maximum monthly Social Security benefit is $5,108, but it is very difficult to achieve.
• You must earn the maximum taxable wage for 35 years or longer.
• You also must not claim Social Security until you are 70 years old.

In 2025, Social Security retirees can receive a check worth up to $5,108 every month. According to the Social Security Administration, this is the highest possible benefit payment. This amount can significantly contribute to a comfortable retirement. However, very few people qualify for the maximum benefit because it requires meeting two strict conditions. Here is what it takes to maximize your Social Security payment.

You’ll need to earn a very high salary for at least 35 years

One crucial step in obtaining the largest possible Social Security check is earning a high salary consistently for a long period. Social Security benefits are calculated based on your average earnings over the 35 years when your income was highest.

However, not all earnings count toward Social Security calculations. Social Security taxes only apply to income up to a certain limit, called the “wage base limit.” Any income earned above this limit is not taxed for Social Security and does not contribute to your benefits calculation.

The wage base limit determines the maximum Social Security benefit. To qualify for the maximum benefit, you must earn an amount equal to or above the wage base limit for at least 35 years. If even one of those 35 years includes a lower salary, your average earnings will be reduced, lowering your Social Security payment.

The wage base limit is quite high and adjusts annually for inflation. In 2025, it is set at $176,100, an increase from $168,600 in 2024 and $160,200 in 2023. This means that unless you have earned at least $176,100 (adjusted for inflation) for a full 35 years, receiving the maximum Social Security check is impossible. Given that earning such a high salary for so many years is challenging, only a small percentage of retirees receive the maximum benefit.

You’ll have to get your first Social Security check at 70

Even if you earn the necessary amount for 35 years, there is one more critical step to obtaining the $5,108 monthly benefit. You must wait until you are 70 years old before claiming Social Security.

Although you become eligible to claim benefits at 62, many people choose to claim earlier because they need Social Security to fund their retirement. However, waiting is essential if you want to receive the maximum benefit. If you claim benefits before 70, you will receive a reduced monthly payment.

Delaying your claim allows you to earn delayed retirement credits. These credits increase your benefit for each month you delay claiming past your full retirement age, up to age 70. Each month of delay adds 2/3 of 1% to your benefit, equating to an 8% annual increase. By waiting until 70, you maximize your benefit amount, ensuring you receive the highest possible Social Security check.

Those who receive the $5,108 monthly benefit have met both conditions: they earned the maximum taxable income for 35 years and delayed their Social Security claim until 70. Considering the high earnings requirement and the discipline needed to wait until 70, it is easy to see why so few retirees qualify for the maximum payment.

Maximizing your Social Security benefit even if you do not reach the maximum

Even if you cannot achieve the absolute maximum benefit, there are still strategies to increase your Social Security payments. Here are some steps to improve your retirement benefits:

• Earn as much as possible: Since benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings, increasing your income, especially in your peak earning years, can boost your Social Security payments.
• Work for at least 35 years: If you work fewer than 35 years, the Social Security Administration will include zero-income years in your calculation, which significantly reduces your average wage and benefit amount.
• Delay claiming Social Security: Even if you cannot wait until 70, delaying past your full retirement age will increase your monthly benefit.

Social Security will be a crucial income source for most retirees. Taking steps to maximize your benefits can help secure a more comfortable retirement. Even if you do not qualify for the highest monthly check, increasing your earnings and delaying benefits can make a significant difference in your financial future.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.