The 10‑Minute Call That Could Raise Your Monthly Benefit in 2026

Did you just receive a letter from Social Security about your benefits? You might have tossed it aside without a second thought. That could be a costly mistake. A simple 10-minute phone call in early 2026 might boost your monthly check for years to come.

Many retirees don't realize they have options to increase their Social Security income. The process isn't complicated. You just need to know what to ask for and when to make that call.

Understanding Your Social Security Statement

Social Security sends out statements to everyone receiving benefits. These statements arrive once a year. They show your current benefit amount and other important details.

Most people glance at these statements and file them away. However, these documents contain clues about potential increases. You should review every line carefully. Look for any errors in your work history or earnings record.

Mistakes happen more often than you think. A missing year of earnings can lower your benefit amount. An incorrect salary figure can do the same thing. These errors won't fix themselves automatically.

The Power of Correcting Your Earnings Record

Your Social Security benefit is based on your lifetime earnings. The system looks at your 35 highest-earning years. It calculates an average from those years.

What happens if Social Security missed some of your income? Your benefit amount will be lower than it should be. This is why checking your earnings record matters so much.

You can request a correction by calling Social Security directly. The number is 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday. They can help you identify discrepancies in your record.

Bring proof of your earnings when you call. This might include old W-2 forms or tax returns. Pay stubs can work too. The more documentation you have, the better.

Exploring the Withdrawal and Reapplication Strategy

Some people claim Social Security benefits early. They might have needed the money at age 62. Now they regret that decision because their monthly check is smaller.

There's a way to undo an early claim. It's called withdrawal and reapplication. This strategy works if you claimed benefits within the past 12 months.

You'll need to pay back everything you received so far. That includes your checks and any benefits paid to family members. Once you repay the money, you can reapply later at full retirement age.

This approach isn't right for everyone. You need access to enough cash to repay benefits. However, if you can afford it, the payoff can be substantial. Your new monthly benefit will be much higher.

Maximizing Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Married couples have special options for Social Security. You might qualify for spousal benefits based on your partner's work record. This can happen even if you never worked outside the home.

Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of your partner's full retirement benefit. You must be at least 62 years old to claim them. Your own benefit must be less than the spousal amount.

Widows and widowers have even more flexibility. Survivor benefits can equal 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit. You can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60.

Here's a strategy many people miss. You can claim survivor benefits first and let your own benefit grow. Then switch to your own benefit at age 70 when it reaches maximum value.

A quick call to Social Security can clarify your options. The representative will run the numbers for both scenarios. You'll know exactly which choice gives you more money.

Adjusting Your Tax Withholding

Social Security benefits can be taxable. This surprises many retirees. Up to 85% of your benefits might be subject to federal income tax.

Whether you owe taxes depends on your combined income. This includes your adjusted gross income, tax-free interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. If this total exceeds certain thresholds, you'll owe taxes.

You can ask Social Security to withhold federal taxes from your monthly check. This prevents a big tax bill at year-end. Four withholding rates are available: 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%.

Making this request takes just minutes on the phone. You can also submit Form W-4V online. Either way, the change starts within a couple of months.

Checking for Overpayment Notices

Social Security sometimes overpays benefits by mistake. When this happens, they send an overpayment notice. You're expected to pay back the excess amount.

These notices can be frightening. Some demand thousands of dollars in repayment. However, you have rights in these situations.

You can appeal an overpayment decision. You might also request a waiver if repayment creates financial hardship. A phone call starts this process.

Don't ignore overpayment notices. Contact Social Security immediately. Explain your situation. They can set up a repayment plan or review your case.

Understanding the Earnings Test

If you're working while receiving Social Security, special rules apply. The earnings test reduces your benefits if you earn too much before full retirement age.

In 2026, you can earn up to $23,400 without penalty. After that, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn. Different limits apply in the year you reach full retirement age.

Many people don't realize these withheld benefits aren't lost forever. Social Security recalculates your benefit at full retirement age. They add back the months when benefits were withheld.

A call to Social Security can clarify how the earnings test affects you. They'll explain exactly how much you can earn without losing benefits.

Requesting a Direct Deposit Change

Direct deposit is the safest way to receive Social Security. However, you might need to change your bank account information. This happens when you switch banks or open a new account.

Changing your direct deposit information requires verification. You can't just send an email or leave a voicemail. You need to speak with a representative directly.

The process takes about 10 minutes over the phone. You'll need your new account and routing numbers handy. The representative will confirm your identity first. Then they'll update your payment information.

Changes usually take effect within 30 to 60 days. Until then, payments continue going to your old account.

Taking Action Before It's Too Late

Time matters when it comes to Social Security adjustments. Some changes must happen by specific deadlines. Others become impossible after certain ages.

Don't wait until December to make that call. Social Security offices get overwhelmed during the holiday season. Wait times can stretch to hours. Some offices stop taking calls altogether.

January through March is your window of opportunity. Call early in 2026. Resolve any issues before they affect your benefits for the entire year.

That 10-minute call might seem inconvenient. You'll probably wait on hold. You might get transferred between departments. The effort is worth it if your monthly check goes up.