Social Security History (2024)

FAQs

How can I get answers to Social Security questions? ›

For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Claiming too early

This may be the single biggest issue impacting Americans because Social Security allows people to begin collecting their benefits when they turn 62, or about five years before the full retirement age for most people.

Most people You can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement need 40 credits, earned over their working lifetime, to to see whether your Social Security benefit amount receive retirement benefits. For disabilitv and survivors will be affected. benefits, young people need fewer credits to be eligible.

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

While some people are approved in as little as 30 days, others can wait a year or longer before they receive a final decision.

That's why there is a special rule that applies to earnings for 1 year, usually the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security check for any whole month you're retired, regardless of your yearly earnings.

Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries become full retirement age. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record at the same time.

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, you'll get a monthly benefit based on that work.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›

The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.

Learn more about credits at www.ssa.gov/planners/credits.html. Although you need at least 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, we base the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.

We cannot pay benefits if you don't have enough credits. In 2024, you receive 1 credit for each $1,730 of earnings, up to the maximum of 4 credits per year. Each year the amount of earnings needed for credits goes up slightly as average earnings levels increase.

How Do I Know If I Have 40 Credits For Social Security? By visiting the Social Security Administration website and creating a “my Social Security account,” you can track your earnings as well as receive important information regarding qualifications and benefits.

Our website is the best way for most people to get help. our website, call our National 800 Number (1-800-772-1213) or your local Social Security office for help. We will schedule an appointment for you, if necessary, to serve you by phone or in person.

Similar to any government website, ssa.gov, the official site of the Social Security Administration, is full of helpful information.

Our national network of RSSAs are here to provide support. Includes free live help from RSSA® Social Security advisors. Get answers to your questions from a Social Security advisor. A dedicated RSSA® will provide you with a complete Social Security filing plan.

There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount. However, there are ways to create your own bonus by maximizing the amount you're eligible to receive.