Social Security History (2024)

FAQs

How can I get answers to Social Security questions? ›

If you cannot use our online services, we can help you by phone when you call your local Social Security office or our toll-free National 800 Number. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator.

The social security administration maintains records of the wages and self-employment income you've earned over your lifetime. This information determines your eligibility and benefit amount for Social Security benefits. To get a copy of your earnings records, you'll need to fill out and submit Form SSA-7050-F4.

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.

You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive.

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

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.

The report helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) understand how your disability affects your ability to work based on the tasks you've previously performed. For those who haven't worked recently, information about past jobs can still significantly impact your application.

The Restricted Application Loophole

Every year you delay, your monthly retirement benefit increases (until age 70). One Social Security loophole allowed married individuals to begin receiving a spousal benefit at full retirement age, while letting their own retirement benefit grow.

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 benefit for any whole month you are retired and earnings are below the monthly limit.

What is the Social Security secret bonus? ›

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.

Social Security's special minimum benefit pays at least $49.40 per month in 2023 and $50.90 in 2024. Social Security's special minimum benefit tops out at $1,033.50 per month in 2023 and $1,066.50 in 2024. You'll receive 100% of the benefit if you file at full retirement age or later.

You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.

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.

CONTACTING SOCIAL SECURITY

You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).

Provide accurate and truthful information about your medical condition, symptoms, and limitations. Clearly communicate the severity of your disability and how it affects your ability to work. Explain your daily activities. Describe in detail how your disability impacts your everyday life and activities.

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.