The Social Security Administration has been impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. How does it affect payments and offices?

To qualify for the largest Social Security checks, you also have to pay the maximum amount of Social Security taxes during your 35 highest-earning years. Most people pay Social Security taxes on all their income, but that's not true for wealthy Americans.

Learn more about Social Security spousal benefits and how these 13 things can help you work on a better retirement plan for yourself and your partner.

If paying back your benefits isn't an option, you could also suspend Social Security. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can temporarily stop collecting checks up to age 70. When you begin claiming again, you'll receive a higher monthly payment for the rest of your life to account for the money that was withheld.

The Social Security Administration penalizes you for every month you claim checks under your FRA. You lose 5/9 of 1% per month (6.67% per year) for up to 36 months. If you claim more than three years early, you'll lose 5/12 of 1% per month (5% per year) for each additional month of early claiming.