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How to Grow Your Social Security Benefits Beyond Retirement Age

How to Grow Your Social Security Benefits Beyond Retirement Age

How to Grow Your Social Security Benefits Beyond Retirement Age

Chances are you’ve heard the term social security benefits at least ten times, and that’s probably being a bit modest.

Social security benefits are payments that are made to qualified retirees, disabled individuals, spouses, children and survivors in the event they have passed on. While the retirement age is from 65-67 (depending on when you were born), many Americans are choosing to continue to work beyond this. For those who are willing and able to continue working beyond the retirement age, it can help them secure the future for themselves and their families for years to come. Not only does continuing to work give you more money to pay expenses and save, but it can also increase your social security benefits. Keep reading as we tell you how to grow your social security benefits beyond retirement age.

Delay Receiving Benefits & Work Longer

Although an individual can begin claiming their social security benefits at their rightful retirement age, they do not have to. For those who choose to wait it allows their social security benefits to significantly expand due to delayed retirement credits. Delayed retirement credits increase your monthly amount each year you wait between your full retirement age and the age of 70.

The credits you receive are based on your earnings recorded for each year of additional work income. Once an individual starts utilizing their retirement benefits, their earnings will be automatically reviewed in order to determine if they’re entitled to an adjustment. Your retirement benefit amount is based on your best 35 years of earnings, so if your new year of earnings is higher than a year used to determine your initial benefit amount, it will be increased.

Earn More Money

Another way to increase future social security check payments is to max out your earnings as many years as possible. In 2019, maxing out means you’ve earned $132,900 or more. This is the maximum amount of income subjected to the 6.2% social security payroll tax. For those who max out for all 35 years, they’ll receive the maximum benefit of $2,861 per month once they start receiving social security benefits.

Take Spouses into Consideration

Spouses who have lower earnings could benefit more by taking spousal benefits rather than taking their own retirement. These benefits can be as much as 50% of what the higher-earning spouse receives at their full retirement age. Be mindful though, because in most cases you won’t be able to switch from spousal benefits to your own, even if your own benefit would be higher. Another important thing couples should take into account is survivor benefits. Once one spouse passes away, the other will begin receiving one check. However, this check will be the larger of the two that was being received.

Preparing for your future is extremely important. Not only for yourself, but for your family. If you have questions regarding social security benefits, Mestayer Law Firm is ready to help. Our team provides civil litigation for clients throughout the Gulf Coast area including Pascagoula, Biloxi, and Gulfport. If you are making future plans for your estate, then contact us today and let us help take care of every detail of your finances. Call us today at 228-762-1193 or visit www.pascagoulalaw.com. We are your legal experts! You can also visit our office located at 2128 Ingalls Ave. in Pascagoula, Mississippi. We look forward to talking with you!

No representation is made that the quality of legal services performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. I am licensed to practice law in Mississippi and have based the information presented on US laws. This article is legal information and is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information. Any information provided in this blog is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but that there may be omissions, errors or mistakes.

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