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.

To get a copy of your non-government employment/pay history, we recommend you visit your local Social Security Administration office or visit https://www.ssa.gov/ .

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.

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.

Mistakes or fraud could result in incorrect addresses or names becoming associated with an applicant's Social Security number. An SSN trace also doesn't provide comprehensive information about an applicant such education or employment history.

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.

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.

What can cause you to lose Social Security benefits? ›

If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62. We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings.

Depending on your income, you can earn up to four credits a year. In 2024, workers earn one Social Security and Medicare credit for $1,730 in covered earnings. Under the five-year rule, people 31 and older must have worked at least five out of the last 10 years to be eligible for SSDI.

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.

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

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.

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.

A Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®) will provide you with a unique Social Security plan, to help you decide on the optimal claiming decisions. Using the RSSA Roadmap® Optimization Software, an RSSA® will help you maximize your Social Security claiming strategy to increase your lifetime benefits.