Social Security History (2024)

FAQs

How do 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.

You can get your Social Security Statement (Statement) online by using your personal my Social Security account. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly 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.

There is no age at which you will no longer be taxed on Social Security payments. So, if those payments when combined with your other forms of income, exceed one of the two thresholds, then you will have to pay at least federal taxes on either 50% or 85% of the benefits you receive.

Be honest: Answer every question honestly and provide as much detail as possible. Be specific: Describe specific examples of how your disability limits you, both physically and mentally. Be consistent: Don't contradict other answers you've given on the form or in your application.

• If you become disabled before your full retirement age, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years.

According to recently released data from the SSA's Office of the Actuary, just over 590,000 retired-worker beneficiaries were receiving $1,298.26 per month at age 62, as of December 2023. That compares to about 2.11 million aged 66 retired-worker beneficiaries who were taking home $1,739.92 per month.

Take someone with a $1,600 monthly benefit at an FRA of 67. Filing at age 62 means slashing that benefit to $1,120. But if that same person only lives until age 74, they'll come out ahead financially to the tune of almost $27,000 in lifetime income by claiming Social Security at 62 instead of waiting for FRA.

Can Social Security see my bank statements? ›

For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the short answer is yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can check your bank accounts because you have to give them permission to do so.

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.

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.

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).

To learn more about Social Security and our programs and services, go to ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.

AARP's Social Security Resource Center presents our members with answers to questions on applying for retirement, spouse, survivor or disability benefits, the workings of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and delayed retirement credits in an easy-to-understand manner.