Planning for retirement is important, especially if you live in the United States. One of the main sources of income after retirement is the Social Security retirement check. But not everyone can get this payment.
You must meet some basic requirements to qualify. Understanding these rules early helps you plan your future better and know how much money you might receive each month.
Many people also want to increase the amount they get from Social Security. While not everyone will get the highest payment, it’s still possible to boost your monthly benefit if you plan well.
Minimum Requirements to Receive Social Security in April 2025
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement checks, you don’t need to worry—you’re all set. But if you haven’t applied yet, you must check whether you meet the basic conditions.
The minimum age to apply for retirement benefits in 2025 is 62 years. This is the general rule for age-based retirement. However, disability benefits have different age rules, so if you’re applying due to a disability, other conditions will apply.
Another key rule is about your work history. You must have worked for at least 10 years to qualify. In Social Security terms, that means you need to have earned 40 work credits.
Without these credits, you won’t be eligible to get the monthly retirement check. If you don’t meet this rule, you’ll need to find another way to get financial support in retirement.
How to Get a Higher Social Security Payment in 2025
Meeting the basic requirements means you’ll receive a monthly check, but the amount of money you get can be very different for each person. If you want a higher payment, you’ll need to meet a few extra conditions.
First, it helps if you’ve worked for at least 35 years. Social Security looks at your top 35 earning years to calculate your benefit. If you have fewer than 35 years of work, they add zeros for the missing years, which brings your average down.
Second, your salary matters. The more you earn during your working life (up to the yearly Social Security limit), the more you will get in retirement. And third, your age at retirement also affects your check. If you wait until age 70 to claim your Social Security, you can get the highest possible monthly benefit.
In April 2025, the maximum Social Security check for retirees is $5,108. For those receiving disability benefits, the maximum is $4,018. While not everyone will reach these amounts, smart planning can help you get closer to the higher end.