Better money for the most high-ranking officials (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
top brass
'high-ranking officials' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'better money' is the wordplay.
'better' becomes 'top' (I've seen this in other clues).
'money' becomes 'brass' (I've seen this before).
'top'+'brass'='TOP BRASS'
'for the most' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for top brass that I've seen before include "Those of high military rank" , "Senior military personnel" , "high-ranking officials" , "Important people" , "VIPs" .)