Key Points Delaying your claim automatically grows your benefits. Reviewing your earnings record helps you avoid getting shorted needlessly. Working later in life could replace years of missing income. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There's a good chance Social Security will end up being an important income stream for you once your career comes to an end. So it's helpful to get as much money out of your monthly benefits as you can. Your Social Security bene ...