Social Security: Is the $16,728 Yearly Bonus Real? (2024)

Josephine Nesbit

·2 min read

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There’s really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

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However, there are ways to create your own bonus by maximizing the amount you’re eligible to receive. Here are a few ways to do it:

Increase Your Earnings

Social Security benefits are calculated based on the 35 years you earn the most. If you have years of low or no income, this is also factored into your calculation and decreases your qualifying amount.

According to the SSA, each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation. This can help to increase your benefit amount. However, there is a maximum amount of earnings used to calculate your retirement benefits. Earnings of up to $160,200 in 2023 are used to calculate your payments, but this amount is adjusted for inflation each year.

Wait Until Age 70 to Collect

Waiting to collect Social Security benefits until age 70 ensures you receive your maximum benefit amount.

Only 10% of workers wait until then, but researchers found that claiming before 70 results in an estimated median household loss of $182,370 in lifetime discretionary spending for claimants between the ages of 45 and 62, CNBC reported. Retirement benefits at 70 are 76% higher than benefits taken at age 62, adjusted for inflation.

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Claim Spousal Benefits at Full Retirement Age

Married couples should be strategic about claiming spousal benefits. Unlike personal benefits, spousal benefits don’t increase if you delay payments past full retirement age. FRA varies by birth year, but it’s usually age 66 or 67. The SSA says the spousal benefit amount can be based on their own earnings or up to half of the higher earner’s benefit, whichever is higher.

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Social Security: Is the $16,728 Yearly Bonus Real? (2024)

FAQs

Is the $16728 Social Security bonus real? ›

The latest news has been circulating regarding the $16728 annual Social Security benefits but this fact is not true at all.

Is there really a Social Security bonus? ›

There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Who qualifies for the $1657 Social Security check? ›

One must either be over the age of sixty-five, blind and/or disabled. Additionally, they must have a limited income and resources as the program is need-based and aims to assist beneficiaries to cover basic costs for food and shelter.

Is there a lump sum bonus for Social Security? ›

You can receive a lump sum payment of up to six months of retirement benefits. Full retirement age is 66 for those born in 1943-1954, over age 66 on a sliding scale for those born after 1954-1959, and 67 for those born in 1960 or later. The lump sum option isn't available to those claiming benefits before FRA.

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.

When a husband dies, does his wife get his Social Security? ›

Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.

Is the $1728 stimulus for seniors? ›

It's completely false that seniors are eligible for a $1,728 Medicare payment, a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

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

You must be enrolled in Original Medicare and pay your Part B premiums without state or local financial aid to be eligible for the giveback. Only some Medicare Advantage Plans offer this benefit, and in select service areas.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security? ›

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, you'll get a monthly benefit based on that work.

How to get a $16,728 Social Security bonus? ›

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Does everyone get a $250 death benefit from Social Security? ›

A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements. Generally, the lump-sum is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died.

Can I get a tax refund if my only income is Social Security? ›

You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.

What is how do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How do I get a lump sum from Social Security? ›

The lump-sum option is only available to people who have reached full retirement age without filing to receive benefits. And it will result in a permanently lower monthly benefit for anyone who opts to receive it. A financial advisor can help you develop a strategy for claiming your Social Security benefits.

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