Social Security Resources and Information
These pages in this section will help those not familiar with the benefits of Social Security better understand those benefits. You can also learn how and when to apply for benefits and the amount you should be receiving depending on your age and when you decide to apply. Information is also included on receiving Social Security benefits and continuing to work, as well as contact information to reach the Social Security Administration directly by both phone and Internet.
Reach Social Security Calculators
You can input your date of birth, this year’s earnings and your expected retirement date. The calculator will provide a rough estimate of your retirement, disability and survivor benefits. This Social Security site also provides other calculators. You can find your actual past earnings from any previous Social Security Statement you saved, from your tax records like W-2s or by calling Social Security at 800-SSA-1213 and requesting your earnings record.
Reach the calculators here
Reach the calculators here
Government site where you can enter your information to see your estimated benefits before you claim
The age you claim Social Security affects your lifetime income. This site will help you think through this decision. You can explore how your claiming age affects your Social Security retirement benefits. You can enter your date of birth and highest annual work income and the site will show you your estimated benefits on a year to year payout basis plus total benefits depending in how long you live.Go to http://www.consumerfinance.gov/retirement/before-you-claim/
Take this Social Security Quiz: Edited from an article by Mark Miller
Here are the questions:
- At what age can you receive your full benefit?
- Can you keep working while collecting a full benefit?
- If you are divorced, can you collect a benefit based on your ex-spouse's earning history?
- Can you receive a benefit even if you are not a U.S. citizen?
Here are the answers:
Full Benefit Age
Some 71 percent of respondents think 65 is still the full retirement age for Social Security. But it is 66 for today's retirees and will be 67 for people retiring in 2022.
Working While Receiving Benefits
People believe they can continue to work while collecting a full Social Security retirement benefit. But that is true only if you have reached your full retirement age. In 2015 an early Social Security filer with income of more than $15,720 from work (employment or self-employment) will pay a penalty. One dollar will be deducted from benefit payments for every $2 earned above that limit.
Collect from an Ex-Spouse
It is possible to claim a benefit on the record of an ex-spouse. It does not matter if your ex-spouse has remarried.This can boost benefits dramatically, since spousal and survivor benefits are among the most valuable features of Social Security.You can claim half of an ex-spouse's benefit if you are at full retirement age (currently 66), had been married for at least 10 years, and if that benefit works out to be higher than your own. You are entitled to 100 percent of a deceased ex-spouse's benefit.
Citizenship
It is not necessary to be an American citizen to receive Social Security retirement benefits. But the main eligibility requirement to receive benefits is paying into the system. You must have contributed payroll taxes for a cumulative total of at least 40 quarters (10 years). Along with citizens, individuals who are "lawfully present" in the United States, including permanent residents, refugees and asylum seekers, are eligible for benefits.
Full Benefit Age
Some 71 percent of respondents think 65 is still the full retirement age for Social Security. But it is 66 for today's retirees and will be 67 for people retiring in 2022.
Working While Receiving Benefits
People believe they can continue to work while collecting a full Social Security retirement benefit. But that is true only if you have reached your full retirement age. In 2015 an early Social Security filer with income of more than $15,720 from work (employment or self-employment) will pay a penalty. One dollar will be deducted from benefit payments for every $2 earned above that limit.
Collect from an Ex-Spouse
It is possible to claim a benefit on the record of an ex-spouse. It does not matter if your ex-spouse has remarried.This can boost benefits dramatically, since spousal and survivor benefits are among the most valuable features of Social Security.You can claim half of an ex-spouse's benefit if you are at full retirement age (currently 66), had been married for at least 10 years, and if that benefit works out to be higher than your own. You are entitled to 100 percent of a deceased ex-spouse's benefit.
Citizenship
It is not necessary to be an American citizen to receive Social Security retirement benefits. But the main eligibility requirement to receive benefits is paying into the system. You must have contributed payroll taxes for a cumulative total of at least 40 quarters (10 years). Along with citizens, individuals who are "lawfully present" in the United States, including permanent residents, refugees and asylum seekers, are eligible for benefits.