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Social Security
Questions and Answers
By Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist in Toledo, OH
Guest Column
Question:
I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back
in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my
military service. What do I need to do?
Answer:
You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special
credit for your military service—it is added automatically.
For service between 1957 and 1967, we will add the extra
credits to your record at the time you apply for Social
Security benefits. For service between 1968 and 2001, those
extra military service credits have already been added to
your record. So you can rest assured that we have you
covered. Read our online publication, Military Service
and Social Security, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html.
Then when the time comes to apply for retirement, you can do
it conveniently and easily at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.
Question:
I have never worked but my spouse has. What will my benefits
be?
Answer
Answer:
You can be entitled to as
much as one-half of your spouse's benefit amount when you
reach full retirement age. If you decide to receive Social
Security retirement benefits before you reach full
retirement age, the amount of your benefit is reduced. The
amount of reduction depends on when you will reach full
retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is
66, you can get 35 percent of your spouse's unreduced
benefit at age 62 (a permanent reduction); if your full
retirement age is 67, you can get 32.5 percent of your
spouse's unreduced benefit at age 62 (a permanent
reduction).
The amount of your benefit
increases if your entitlement begins at a later age, up to
the maximum of 50 percent at full retirement age. However,
if you are taking care of a child who is under age 16 or who
gets Social Security disability benefits on your spouse’s
record, you get the full spouse’s benefits, regardless of
your age. Learn more about retirement benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement.
Question:
I worked the first half of the year, but plan to retire this
month. Will Social Security count the amount I earn for this
year when I retire?
Answer:
Yes. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the
entire year. We have a
special “earnings test” rule we apply to annual
earnings, usually in the first year of retirement. Under
this rule, you get a full payment for any whole month we
consider you retired regardless of your yearly earnings. We
consider you retired during any month your earnings are
below the monthly earnings limit, or if you have not
performed substantial services in self-employment. We do not
consider income earned, beginning with the month you reach
full retirement age. Learn more about the earnings test rule
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/rule.htm.
Question:
I’m trying to figure out
the best time to retire based on my future earnings. How can
I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate?
Answer:
We suggest you use our Retirement
Estimator
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Our Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on
your actual Social Security earnings record, so it's a
personalized, instant picture of your future estimated
benefit. Also, you can use it to test different retirement
scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits.
For example, you can find out your estimated monthly
payments if you retire at age 62, 70, or any age in between.
Try it out now at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
Question:
Is it true that ten thousand people are retiring each day?
What is the best way for me to apply and avoid long lines in
my Social Security office?
Answer:
Yes. The best way is to use our online retirement
application at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
You can complete it in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so
easy. You can apply from the comfort of your home or office
at a time most convenient for you. Once you’ve
electronically submitted your application, you’re done. In
most cases, there’s no need to submit any documents. There’s
also no need to drive to a local Social Security office or
wait for an appointment with a Social Security
representative.
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