Here’s the easiest way to lock in steady $3,500/month Social Security checks — worry-free income is closer than you think

Here’s a closer look at how you can bump up your monthly payouts in retirement.

Ways to bump your payouts

To fully optimize your results from the Social Security system, it’s important to understand the system and closely monitor any changes to your account.

For example, you can audit your personal earnings record online at ssa.gov/myaccount and use the administration’s own Quick Calculator to estimate how much you can get in benefits. Just remember that the SSA says it uses up to 35 years of earnings, which have been adjusted to a monthly wage index, to calculate your personal benefits.

Once you’ve done that, you can try to boost your earnings in the years ahead to offset any low-earning years you may have on your record. Depending on your age and income, this alone could get you meaningfully closer to the monthly $3,500 target.

You could also consider other benefits, such as disability or spousal benefits, that you may be eligible for. These are often an overlooked way of boosting your monthly payout.

Finally, if you’re several years away from retirement, it’s worth remembering that you still have time to work on pulling many of these levers before retiring. That way, you won’t have to worry about them in your golden years.

Get help planning ahead

At the same time, you’re also working with unpredictable policies and reforms in the years ahead. The system might change or be updated by the time you file your claim, and the plan you set in motion may no longer apply.

To avoid these issues, you might want to consider signing up for a senior-focused organization like AARP to stay in the loop. Their analysis and advocacy helps you stay ahead of the curve and monitor the Social Security program closely so that you can adapt your plans accordingly.

Plus, the organization offers tips and discounts for retirees that can help you manage your retirement planning or budget. For instance, AARP members get access to guides that can help you make the most of Social Security, choose the right Medicare plan and uncover other government benefits — potentially saving you thousands.

And as one of the most trusted organizations for older Americans, AARP offers more than just money-saving perks. They can also help you make informed health and lifestyle decisions.

Sign up with AARP today and get 25% off your first year.

Easiest path to worry-free income

Working harder, boosting income and monitoring AARP are all effective — but labor-intensive — ways to maximize payouts. Ultimately, you will need several years of work, research and discipline to boost your monthly benefit payouts.

But there is one lever that is relatively easier to pull.

The easiest lever you can pull is simply timing your claim right. Most beneficiaries born after 1960 reach full retirement age at 67, but delaying it just a few more years can greatly enhance monthly benefits. Delaying until age 70, for instance, can bump up monthly payments by as much as 24%, according to the SSA.

That means if you’re eligible for a $2,822 monthly payout at full retirement age, delaying your claim by three years can raise that to $3,500.

On paper, it sounds simple: “Just delay three years!” In reality, however, this requires some serious planning because you’ll likely need some other source of income or cash to cover the gap left by not claiming benefit checks. You’ll also need to plan your taxes and withdrawal strategy appropriately during this period.