The term “$23,760 Social Security bonus” is a marketing phrase used by financial and investment companies, such as The Motley Fool, to promote their services.
It is not a one-time bonus payment or a special program from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The phrase refers to the potential increase in benefits that a person could receive by employing specific strategies to maximize their Social Security. The number $23,760 is a calculated figure representing the potential difference between a person’s average annual benefit and a significantly higher benefit. This is often achieved by delaying your retirement until age 70.
🚨 Quick Facts: Is There Really a “$23,760 Social Security Bonus”?
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| “You can claim a $23,760 bonus from Social Security” | ❌ False — no such bonus exists |
| “Hidden Social Security benefits” | ❌ Misleading — all benefits are publicly available and based on your earnings and age |
| “Secret loopholes can get you more money” | ⚠️ Exaggerated — there are strategies, but no secrets or hidden cash |
How the “$23,760” Figure is Derived
This figure is typically based on a comparison between:
Claiming Social Security early:
- The average annual benefit for someone who claims Social Security as early as possible (age 62) is significantly lower than their potential maximum.
Claiming Social Security at age 70:
- By delaying your claim from your full retirement age (which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later) until age 70, you earn an 8% per year delayed retirement credit. This can result in a much higher monthly benefit for the rest of your life.
The “$23,760 bonus” is simply the difference in annual income between these two scenarios, multiplied over a specific period of time. It is a projected amount, not a guaranteed one-time payment.
Official Social Security Benefits and Rules
The Social Security Administration does not offer “bonuses.” Your benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings, your retirement age, and the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that is applied annually.
2025 COLA:
- In 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits increased by 2.5% due to the COLA.
Earnings Limit:
- For those who are not yet at their full retirement age, there are limits on how much you can earn from work before your benefits are reduced. In 2025, this limit is $23,400.
If you receive an email, text, or phone call promising a “Social Security bonus” or asking for personal information to “process your bonus,” it is a scam. The Social Security Administration will never contact you in this way.
⚠️ Be Careful
These headlines are often tied to:
Paid financial newsletter traps
Upsells to premium “retirement secrets” reports
Phishing scams pretending to offer free benefit calculators
If you were sent a video or email promising this “bonus,” feel free to share the link and I can help assess whether it’s a scam or just misleading marketing.
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