Is there really a $16728 Social Security bonus?

Asked by: Justice Harvey  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

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.

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.

Will Social Security get a raise in 2024?

In 2024, everyone receiving Social Security retirement, Social Security disability, and Supplemental Security income will see a 3.2% increase in their benefits. This means an average increase of more than $50 per month: Average monthly SSDI (2024): $1,537. Maximum monthly SSI (2024): $943.

How do I get 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.

What is the Social Security bonus most retirees completely 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.

$16,728 Social Security Bonus - Real or Fake?!

17 related questions found

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

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What is the highest Social Security check you can get?

Your maximum benefit if you file at age 62 – the youngest possible age – is $2,710 per month. Your maximum benefit if you file at full retirement age – between 66 and 67 – is $3,822 per month. Your maximum benefit if you file at age 70 – the age when extra benefits stop accruing – is $4,873 per month.

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.

How can senior citizens get free money from the government?

Government Benefits for Seniors Over 65
  1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal disability insurance program.
  2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal cash assistance program for low-income people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.

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.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

Generally, the maximum Federal SSI benefit amount changes yearly. SSI benefits increased in 2024 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024 the Federal benefit rate is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

Can you get a refund if your 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 the lowest amount you can get in Social Security?

The minimum benefit starts at $49.40 per month in 2023 and $50.90 in 2024, requiring at least 11 years of work history. The maximum benefit, for those with 30 years of work, increased from $1,033.50 in 2023 to $1,066.50 in 2024.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

Is the $900 food allowance for seniors?

In conclusion, the idea of this grand grocery stimulus worth $900 for seniors is just that: a rumor. There is no truth to it. As a senior, if you find yourself struggling, numerous government programs, including food stamps, are a much better alternative than a fictitious idea to save money on groceries!

What to do when social security is not enough to live on?

Has your income declined or have you experienced a loss of financial resources? You may be able to get additional income through the Supplemental Security Income program, which helps seniors and the disabled who have limited income and financial resources.

What is the most requested support service for the elderly?

What Services Do Seniors Need Most?
  • Personal Care. One of the most in-demand services for seniors is personal care. ...
  • Medication Management. ...
  • Nutrition and Meal Support. ...
  • Mobility and Transportation. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Money Management. ...
  • Safety and Security. ...
  • Social Interaction Opportunities.

Is Medicare food allowance real?

Medicare grocery allowances are real, but not everyone is eligible for them. Some Special Needs Medicare Advantage plans offer a grocery allowance for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans don't have grocery allowances.

How to get $800 back from Medicare?

Medicare Part A and Part B know they can get up to $800 back

All the member has to do is provide proof that they pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security retirement?

As much as you want at any age The amount of money that you have in your bank accounts has no bearing on your social security benefits, even if you're collecting ss early between 62–66.

Do millionaires get Social Security when they retire?

The amount a person receives in Social Security benefits is not directly affected by their current income or wealth. Therefore, even if someone is a millionaire or billionaire, they can still receive Social Security benefits if they have a qualifying work history.

How to boost your Social Security check by 24%?

Paused benefits earn delayed retirement credits for every month they're suspended until age 70. That can boost your benefits by 8% a year for a maximum of three years, resulting in a 24% bump. It's unclear how many people are taking the do-over.