Understanding Social Security Benefits

Social security as a foundation of our retirement income presents two facts:

1. Social security is a lifetime achievement and membership.

2. Social security benefits do not lose it value because financial adjustments are made from time to time.

How Social Security Works

You pay your taxes to social security as you work which becomes part of your income when you retire or become disabled. You actually earn the benefits that you deserve while working. Therefore, the longer you work and the more money you earn, the higher you social security benefits will be.

The amount of social security retirement benefits is based on some of these factors:

• How much time you spent in the workforce

• How much money you made.

• Your age when you start receiving benefits.

To qualify for social security retirement benefits, you must have earned at least 40 social security credits in a job covered by social security. You can start receiving your retirement benefits at age 62. If you wait until you are older enough to start receiving your benefits, you will get a higher amount each month.

Whether you qualify for retirement or disability benefits, your spouse and dependent children can also receive monthly checks.

Social security is a dominant source of income for individuals age 65 or older. They depend on social security benefits for more than 50 percent of their income.

According to the records of the social security agency, more than 47.5 million people receive monthly benefits.

Applying for Benefits

Social security benefits are not paid automatically. You have to apply for them using special forms. When applying, you have to provide several documents such as your social security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship (if you were not born in the country). Depending on the type of benefit you are applying, you will be asked to produce certain documents. You can also apply online or call any local social security office to apply.

Planning your Social Security Benefits

Social security also serves as an alternative source of income. When planning your social security benefits, you have to consider the following factors:

• Benefit amount – The benefit amount that you will receive can be calculated by comparing the value with the amount stated in the yearly statement sent to you.

• Timing – The age to receive full retirement benefits was increased from age 65 to 67. The exact age for your full retirement will depend on your date of birth.

• Working – If you plan to continue work, you can still receive your benefits. If you are younger than your retirement age, you can work and earn money only to a certain extent without reducing the amount of your benefit. After reaching the retirement age, the earning limit will be dropped.

Who Can Help You

Pursuing social security benefits often require a thorough understanding of social security laws and how the system works. To improve one’s chances of success in obtaining his claim, he needs the services of a knowledgeable social security lawyer. A social security attorney who specializes in benefits and claims can help you achieve your goals.