What is the Social Security bonus trick?

Asked by: Dimitri Kub  |  Last update: April 17, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (9 votes)

So, what about this supposed Social Security bonus? The truth is, there is no such thing. However, the idea of a Social Security bonus may come from the fact that waiting to start receiving benefits can result in a higher benefit amount than if you start earlier.

How do I qualify for the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

What is the Social Security bonus most retirees overlook?

The $22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook. If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income.

Who is eligible for the Social Security bonus?

There is no specific “bonus” retirees can collect from the Social Security Administration. For example, you're not eligible to get a $5,000 bonus check on top of your regular benefits just because you worked in a specific career. Social Security doesn't randomly award money to people.

Can you get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

My Review: Motley Fool's $16,728 Social Security Bonus

29 related questions found

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What is the highest Social Security check you can get?

The maximum Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $3,822 per month in 2024. It will be $4,018 a month in 2025. It's $4,873 per month in 2024 if retiring at age 70 and $2,710 if retiring at age 62. A person's Social Security benefit amount depends on earnings, full retirement age and when they take benefits.

Why are Americans getting a $4800 check today?

Americans are set to receive a Social Security check worth up to $4,800 today, but not all seniors are happy about the increase in monthly payments. Social Security benefits grew by 3.2 percent this year, in accordance with this year's calculated cost of living adjustment (COLA).

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62.

What are three ways you could lose your pension?

The Bottom Line. A number of situations could put your pension at risk, including underfunding, mismanagement, bankruptcy, and legal exemptions. Laws exist to protect you in such circumstances, but some laws provide better protection than others.

What is the $1800 Social Security check?

For retirees, the average monthly benefit is approximately $1,800. These benefits are for retirees and widows, individuals with disabilities, and others who qualify based on their work history and contributions to Social Security taxes.

Does an ex-wife get her ex-husband's Social Security when he dies?

you're eligible for some of your ex's Social Security

wives and widows. That means most divorced women collect their own Social Security while the ex is alive, but can apply for higher widow's rates when he dies.

Will Social Security get a raise in 2024?

Social Security benefits will increase by 2.5 percent beginning with the December 2024 benefits, which are payable in January 2025.

Does my wife get Social Security if she never worked?

Spousal Benefits for Retired Workers

A spouse who has never worked in paid jobs or has not worked to earn sufficient credits to be eligible for his/her own retired worker benefits can receive a spousal benefit that is 50 percent of the eligible worker's full benefit.

What is the new Social Security bill for 2024?

On December 20, 2024, the Senate voted to pass the bill 76-20. This bipartisan legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Together, these provisions negatively impact or eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of retired public servants.

What is the hardest state to get disability?

As of 2024, Utah is the hardest state to initially get approved for SSDI. It has an approval rating of 44.64% for first-time applicants. Who Is Eligible for Maximum Disability? A person who meets the SSA's work history and disability requirements is eligible for the maximum disability amount of $3,822 a month.

What extra benefits can I get from Social Security?

If you get SSI, you can usually get federal benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and state benefits like Medicaid. SNAP helps pay for food, and Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills.

How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security if he dies?

Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61. Over 80% at age 63.

Can I get my ex husband's Social Security if he remarried?

If you are divorced you may qualify for Social Security benefits based on the earnings record of your ex-spouse, even if they have remarried or passed away. There are two types of benefits potentially available to you: spousal benefits and survivor benefits.

What not to do when your spouse dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  1. Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  2. 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  3. 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  4. 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  5. 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.