# The Social Security "Bonus" Myth — But There ARE Legal Ways to Boost Your Paycheck

Ever seen people talking about a $16,728 Social Security yearly bonus? Yeah, that's basically BS. The SSA doesn't hand out bonuses. But here's what's real: you can structurally game the system to pocket thousands more annually.

The math is simple — your benefit = average of your highest 35 earning years. Got a year with zero income? It tanks your average. **Quick fix**: keep working longer to replace those low-earning years. There's a wage cap though ($176,100 in 2025), so no point grinding above that for SS purposes.

**The delayed claim move**: Wait until 70 instead of 62? Your monthly check jumps 76% (inflation-adjusted). Only 10% of people do this. A 2022 study found early claimers lose ~$182k in lifetime household spending compared to waiting. That's not chump change.

**Married couples flex**: Spouses can claim up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit at full retirement age (usually 66-67). Unlike personal benefits, delaying past FRA doesn't increase spousal payouts, so timing strategy matters here.

Bottom line: No magic bonus exists. But coordination + delayed claiming = real money.