No Pension. No 401(k). How to Get by on Social Security

Most people heading into retirement aren't worried about what to do with all that free time — instead, they're wondering how they'll afford it. Social Security benefits will get a bump of 5.9% in 2022 — the biggest cost-of-living adjustment since 1982, thanks to pandemic-related inflation — working out to $92 more for the average retiree receiving $1,565 a month. But if you're among the many seniors relying on Social Security to make ends meet, that's hardly a windfall, since benefits typically replace only about 40% of pre-retirement earnings. Here are some expert tips on how you can get by on Social Security alone.

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If Social Security is likely to be your sole source of income during retirement, then begin by making sure you're doing everything possible to maximize that benefit, says David Bakke of Money Crashers. "This might involve working longer than expected, especially if you're earning good money later on in life." Normal retirement age is 67. It's possible to take Social Security benefits at 62, but the amount you receive will be greatly reduced if you draw your benefits early. Bakke's recommendation: trying to work until the age of 70 before taking benefits, which will boost the amount you ultimately receive each month. 

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As your retirement date draws closer, call the Social Security Administration to obtain specific details regarding your expected monthly payment so that you're prepared. But perhaps more important, ask specific questions, says Dawn-Marie Joseph, founder of Estate Planning & Preservation. For instance, "you might not know that you may be able to collect your deceased or ex-spouse's monthly Social Security payment, which could ultimately be more than what your benefit would be."

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If your only source of income during retirement is Social Security, another important step is reviewing and minimizing expenses. "Start with the highest-impact expenses, such as home and car costs, then move down the list," says Dustyn Ferguson, creator of DimeWillTell. "By focusing on high-impact expenses first, you can see the real impact these expenses have on your retirement budget." 

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There are more than 2,500 benefit programs nationwide designed to help lower-income seniors with expenses related to housing, medication, healthcare, and taxes, says Drew Kellerman of Phase 2 Wealth Advisors. The National Council on Aging has created a nonprofit website, BenefitsCheckUp, to help retirees find these programs.

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Seniors between age 65 and 74 spend about 32% of their household income on housing annually. Consider getting a roommate who can share the bills, or sell your house and move to a smaller place. "Not only will you see money back in your wallet by downsizing, but it also opens the choice of moving to a place that has lower costs of living," Ferguson says.

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Moving to a place with a lower cost of living is one of the most comprehensive ways to stretch your dollar, Kellerman says. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual cost of living in Birmingham, Alabama, is $33,219, and the average price of a home in that city [in 2018] is $65,100, or about the same as a 10% down payment on the average single-family dwelling in parts of Seattle." 

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There are many expenses associated with owning a car, among them maintenance, gas, and car insurance. "Car insurance isn't worth the cost if the car isn't being used much," Ferguson says. "Getting rid of the car entirely and using ride-sharing services can actually be a big money saver." 

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If you're approaching retirement age with a mountain of credit card debt, make it a priority to eliminate those balances. "Get on a budget, reduce expenses, and send any financial surplus to your credit card balances," Money Crashers' Bakke recommends.

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Many retirees who own their homes outright are using the equity in their properties to get by, via reverse mortgages. "For the right person, this option can allow them to 'cash out' some of their home equity while staying in their home for the rest of their life," Kellerman says.

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Food pantries and other donation centers can be a lifesaver when living on a fixed income. And don't overlook places like Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other secondhand stores.

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As soon as you're eligible, be sure to sign up for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and over. This will help reduce your out-of-pocket health insurance costs. There are various Medicare programs covering hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescriptions.  

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Medicare doesn't pay for all medical expenses. If you're among those relying primarily on Social Security to get by, Medicaid may be able to help. It's aimed at low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It can pay for things that Medicare does not cover, even such critical expenses as long-term care.

Get into the habit of inquiring about senior discounts wherever you go. You may be surprised by how many places offer them. Joining AARP once you turn 50 provides access to discounts on rental cars, hotel rooms, and train and bus fares. Among the countless stores that offer discounts, Kohl's provides a 15% senior discount every Wednesday. Many airlines, including British Airways and United, also offer reduced prices for older travelers. 

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Yet another approach to trimming living expenses may be to find a group home, said Dock David Treece, a senior financial analyst with Fit Small Business. "By moving in with other adults, you can significantly lower your cost of living, which will help you survive on Social Security."

One approach to lowering your recurring monthly bills is to increase the deductible on your health insurance. Higher deductibles typically translate into lower monthly premiums. This approach may not be for those making frequent visits to the doctor or other health professionals, however. 

When the pandemic subsides, make the most of your entertainment budget by planning around discounts. AMC Theatres offer a senior discount ticket for those 60 and older. Cinemark theaters host Senior Days that include discounted tickets. Ticketmaster also offers exclusive discounts to AARP members, such as two-for-one tickets to concerts and more.

In some cities and states, utility companies offer discount programs for senior citizens. In Georgia, seniors can receive a discount on gas and electric bills. The city of Seattle also offers eligible customers a 60% discount on their Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on their Seattle Public Utilities bill. The program is available for income-qualified residential households. Be sure to ask your utility provider about similar programs. 

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Some wireless phone providers also offer discounted plans for seniors. T-Mobile's Essentials Unlimited 55 program provides customers who are 55 and older with two lines for just $27.50 per line with autopay. Consumer Cellular offers AARP members a 5% discount on monthly fees and usage charges.

If budget cuts aren't enough, find a source of additional income. There are many ways to do this, from a part-time job to a hobby that provides income. "It's the last thing many people in retirement want to do, but not all sources of income have to be labor-intensive or take a lot of time," Ferguson says. "Passive income sources are a huge win for people in retirement, as they don't take up much time and can really make an impact in your income." 

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While bringing in some additional money can be helpful, do your research first. Working while claiming Social Security benefits can result in your benefits being reduced if you pass certain thresholds, Ferguson warns. "You'll need to balance the math out just right to prevent working from costing you, rather than helping you."

One of the most popular choices for seniors who retire without a pension or other funds is to move in with their children, Treece says. "This isn't an option for all retired seniors, but if you have adult children who live in your area and are willing to take you in, this is usually a cost-efficient option." 

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Another option for after the pandemic: More adventurous retirees might consider relocating abroad to help stretch their budget. "Many retirees who would barely get by on their modest income here in the U.S.A. have found that they can live at least a middle-class lifestyle on Social Security alone depending on where they choose to live," says Kellerman, who suggests conducting thorough research and taking test trips before making a big move. 

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If you began tapping Social Security benefits early and regret that decision, all may not be lost. It's possible to withdraw your application for up to 12 months after beginning benefits. While this option requires repaying all the money you already received, it allows something of a reset. You can continue growing your benefits until you want to file again. 

Even after the 12-month mark has been eclipsed, there's still one last way to slightly increase your Social Security benefits: When you turn 66, it's possible to suspend the monthly payments, this time without having to pay the money back. For each year your payments are suspended up until age 70, you get retirement credit that increases your benefits by 8% each year.