Want More Social Security? 3 Moves to Make in 2026.

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of taking specific actions in 2026 to maximize Social Security benefits in retirement Group 1: Boosting Income - Increasing wages can significantly impact Social Security benefits, as the calculation is based on the top 35 years of earnings [3] - Higher wages can also facilitate contributions to retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s, enhancing overall retirement savings [4] - Any taxable income, including gig or freelance work, contributes to future Social Security benefits [5] Group 2: Reviewing Earnings - Regularly reviewing the Social Security earnings statement is crucial to ensure accuracy, as underreported income can lead to reduced benefits [6] - Creating an account on the Social Security Administration's website allows individuals to check their earnings and estimated benefits [5] Group 3: Delaying Claims - Individuals aged 62 or older in 2026 can start receiving benefits, but delaying the claim can increase monthly benefits significantly [8] - Full retirement age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, and delaying benefits past this age can yield an 8% increase per year until age 70 [8] - For example, delaying from age 67 to 70 could increase the average monthly benefit from approximately $2,000 to nearly $2,500 [9]