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Social Security benefits play a major financial role for most retirees, and maximizing a Social Security check can give them a little more breathing room in retirement.
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To see what everyday people can do to improve their Social Security benefits, ChatGPT was asked how to maximize a Social Security check. Here’s what it said and how to apply the advice.
Delay Claiming as Long as You Can
According to ChatGPT, the best way to maximize your Social Security check is to delay claiming as long as you can. The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that your benefit grows about 8% per year for every year you wait past full retirement age, up to age 70.
If you’re still working or have other sources of income, ChatGPT suggested using that to cover basics and delaying Social Security.
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Work at Least 35 Years
Social Security is based on your highest 35 earning years. While you need at least 10 years of work to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, according to the SSA, the agency bases the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.
ChatGPT recommended working a few extra years to replace low- or zero-income years. If you don’t have 35 years of work history, then your benefit amount will be lower.
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Increase Income Late in Your Career
Even if you work for 35 years, your earnings are averaged into your calculation and impact your benefit. But if you continue to work and increase your earnings, higher-earning years near retirement can replace earlier low-earning years, according to the SSA.
To increase income, ChatGPT suggested negotiating your pay if you’re close to retirement; taking on consulting, freelance work or overtime if available; or picking up a side hustle that pays into Social Security.
Be Strategic If You’re Married (or Divorced)
The spousal benefit can be as much as 50% of the higher earner’s benefit, even if you never worked much, according to the SSA. You may be eligible if you don’t have enough work credits for your Social Security retirement benefit or the spousal benefit is higher, whether you’re married or divorced.
ChatGPT recommended 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 an ex-spouse’s record.
Work Part-Time If You Claim Early
If you claim Social Security before full retirement age (FRA) and earn over 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 FRA, the agency will deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above that threshold. 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 Record
Mistakes happen. If you miss earnings on your Social Security record, it could reduce your benefit. Check your record by creating an account at SSA.gov and reviewing your earnings history.
If you find errors, you should find proof of those earnings and contact the agency.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT How To Maximize My Social Security Check — Here’s What It Said