Don't be Haunted by Common Social Security Questions, Part 1

Understanding Social Security benefits can be haunting, but it is an important part of retirement income. Unfortunately, it can be complex to understand fully how Social Security works and the earlier you understand the process the better. Here are some straightforward strategies to answer some of the most common Social Security questions.
 
​1. Who qualifies for Social Security?
Each US worker gets a credit for the income he/she earned. In 2021, a credit is received for each $1,470 earned with a maximum of four credits per year. At retirement, anyone with at least 40 credits of work is eligible for Social Security. There are also benefits for spouses, ex-spouses, widowed spouses, disability benefits, and dependents of retired worker’s family. The maximum monthly benefit in 2021 is $3,895, which would go to a maximum wage earner who begins taking benefits at age 70. The size of your monthly benefit will depend on how much you have earned during your working life, but it also depends on when you choose to start receiving Social Security.

2. When should I start taking Social Security benefits?
This is your most important decision to make. Your Social Security benefit will be determined by the age you are when you begin receiving benefits. You may choose to begin receiving benefits as early as age 62 (earlier if you are disabled, or at age 60 for widow/widower) or as late as age 70. This decision generally determines the level of monthly income you receive over your lifetime. Social Security defines the age it expects you to retire with full benefits as your full retirement age (FRA). Depending on when you were born, your FRA is currently between age 66 and 67 as seen below:

Thinking about retiring early or delaying retirement? See the chart below for how this changes your Social Security benefits.

3. Does marital status affect Social Security benefits?
   Marriage does not necessarily change your Social Security benefits. If you and your spouse worked enough years to separately qualify, then you each receive your separate benefits. If one spouse did not work or did not work enough to qualify, then that spouse may be eligible to earn half of the working spouse’s social security benefits. 
    If you are divorced, but married for at least 10 years, you can receive similar benefits from your spouse as mentioned above once you reach the age of 62. If you remarry, you no longer qualify for your ex-spouse’s benefits.
    Widows/Widowers are eligible to receive social security benefits at age 60. If you remarry, you will not be able to receive these benefits. If you remarry after age 60 it doesn’t affect your widow’s benefits.
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This is just Part 1 of the most common questions about Social Security benefits. Stay up-to-date with our November newsletter for part 2. Questions about anything in the above article? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Traditions Wealth Advisors at [email protected] or 979-694-9100.

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