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Social Security benefits play a major financial role for most retirees, so maximizing their benefit checks can help them get a little more comfort in retirement.
To see what hopeful retirees can do to improve their Social Security benefits, we asked ChatGPT how to maximize a Social Security check. Here’s what it says and how to implement the advice.
Delay claiming until you can
According to ChatGPT, the best way to maximize your Social Security check is to delay claiming as long as you can. social Security Administration (SSA) states that waiting until age 70, past full retirement age, increases your benefit by about 8% per year.
If you’re still working or have other sources of income, ChatGPT suggests covering the basics and using it to delay Social Security.
Work for at least 35 years
Social Security is based on your highest 35 earning years. Whereas, to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits you must work for at least 10 years Education for all campaignThe agency bases your benefit amount on your highest 35 years of earnings.
ChatGPT recommended working a few extra years in place of low- or zero-income years. If you don’t have 35 years of work history, your benefit amount will be less.
Increase income at the end of your career
Even if you work for 35 years, your earnings are still averaged in your calculations and impact your benefits. But if you continue to work and increase your earnings, the higher-earning years closer to retirement may replace the lower-earning years earlier, according to Education for all campaign.
To boost income, ChatGPT suggests negotiating your salary if you’re near retirement; Taking on consulting, freelance work, or overtime if available; Or making an extra effort paying into Social Security.
Be strategic if you’re married (or divorced)
Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of the higher earner’s benefit, even if you never worked as much, according to Education for all campaign. If you don’t have enough work credits for your Social Security retirement benefits or exceed the spousal benefit, you may be eligible, whether you are married or divorced.
ChatGPT suggests married couples compare both claiming strategies rather than claiming at the same time. And if you’re divorced and the marriage lasted more than 10 years, you may still qualify on the former spouse’s record.
Work part-time if you claim early
If you claim Social Security before full retirement age (FRA) and earn more than the annual limit — $24,480 in 2026 — the SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that amount. In the year you reach the FRA, the agency will deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above that limit. In the year you reach FRA, the limit is $65,160.
According to ChatGPT, if you need income before FRA, consider part-time work that stays under the earnings limit. After FRA, the limit disappears.
Check Your Social Security Records
Mistakes happen. If you fail to report earnings on your Social Security record, your benefits may be reduced. Check your record by creating an account on SSA.gov and reviewing your earnings history.
If you find errors, you should find proof of those earnings and Contact Agency.