Social Security retirement benefits questions and answers

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of Americans, yet navigating the complexities of receiving benefits raises many questions.

Understanding eligibility requirements, how to calculate benefits, and timing for taking benefits can help you make more informed decisions.

Commonly asked Social Security retirement benefits questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Social Security benefits and its role in your overall retirement plan.

What is my full retirement age for Social Security?

Your full retirement age is the age in which you’re entitled to your full Social Security benefit and depends on the year you were born. It’s currently 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.

What if I collect Social Security before my full retirement age?

In short, you’ll receive less Social Security income. If you start collecting Social Security before reaching your full retirement age, your monthly benefit could be reduced to as little as 75% of what you would receive by waiting just a few more years.

For example, if you qualify for a $1,000 monthly benefit at your full retirement age of 67 but decide to start claiming at 62, you will only get $700 a month. On the other hand, if you wait until you turn 70 to claim Social Security, you will receive $1,240 a month. ¹ Delaying Social Security can have a substantial financial impact over your lifetime.

You should consider many factors when deciding to file for Social Security such as your current health, family longevity, additional available financial resources, and if applicable, when your spouse will file.

How is the Social Security benefit calculated?

There are several factors in determining your Social Security benefits. They include:

• Work history and actual lifetime earnings
• Social Security “credits” accrued by working
• Cost-of-living increases
• Age when you claim benefits
• Year of birth

Visit ssa.gov/planners/calculators to help you estimate your benefits.

How much of my income will Social Security replace?

Social Security was not intended to be the sole source of income in retirement, as it only replaces a percentage of your pre-retirement income based on your actual lifetime earnings. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2025 at full retirement age, the percentage ranges from about 28% for high earners to as much as 79% for low earners. ²

It’s important to factor in other sources of income as you plan for retirement.

Is Social Security taxed?

Whether your Social Security benefits are taxed depends on what state you live in and what your combined income is while claiming Social Security benefits.

If your combined income is $25,000 or more per year (for individual filers) or $32,000 per year (for joint filers), you could be taxed on at least 50%—and up to 85%—of your benefits. However, if your combined income is less than $25,000 (for individual filers) or $32,000 (for joint filers), you won’t pay tax on your Social Security benefits.

To figure out your provisional income, you’ll add your adjusted gross income, any nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefits together.

Consult a tax professional for questions about Social Security taxation.

Can I receive Social Security while I’m still working?

This is a common Social Security benefits question; yes, you can receive benefits while working, with some stipulations. If you expect to keep working right up until your full retirement age but would like to supplement your income with Social Security, you can—if you don’t exceed the income limits.

Once you hit your full retirement age, there is no limit to what you can earn from other sources.

Can I collect Social Security if I’ve never worked outside the home?

Yes, with some qualifications. If your spouse is a qualified worker, you’ll be able to collect one-half the amount that they do, as long as you wait until you hit your full retirement age. If you claim before that, your benefits will be reduced.

There are no delayed credits for individuals claiming a spousal benefit past their full retirement age.

Can I still claim a spousal Social Security benefit if I’m divorced?

Yes, if:

• You were married to that spouse for at least 10 years, and
• You are not currently married, and
• Your ex-spouse is at least 62 and eligible for Social Security benefits.

The rules are slightly different if you are disabled or caring for a child under age 16. In these cases, you can claim for spousal benefits no matter how long you were married to that ex-spouse.

It’s worth noting that if you claim for spousal benefits, your ex-spouse will not be notified to protect your confidentiality. It also won’t affect their own benefits.

What happens to my Social Security benefits upon death?

The answer to this Social Security benefits question depends on several factors.

If you’re married when you die, your spouse could begin receiving benefits once they turn 60, or once they turn 50 if they are disabled. If you were divorced at the time of your death, your ex-spouse could still claim benefits if:

• You were married to them for at least 10 years, and
• The surviving spouse is disabled, or
• They’re caring for a child younger than 16.

As far as how much of your Social Security benefit your surviving spouse would receive, the rules are as follows:

• If you are a widow or widower who has reached full retirement age or older, you will receive 100% of your deceased spouse’s benefit amount. You’ll get whichever benefit is higher—either your own or your spouse’s—but not both combined.
• A widow or widower between age 60 and full retirement age will receive 71.5% to 99% of the deceased worker’s basic amount.
• A disabled widow or widower aged 50 through 59 will receive 71.5% of the deceased worker’s full benefit.
• A widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 16 will receive 75% of the deceased worker’s full benefit.

For more information, see the Social Security Administration’s page for survivor’s benefits.

What documents do I need to apply for Social Security benefits?

You may be asked for the following documents while applying:

• Social Security card or a record of your number
• Original birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
• Copy of your U.S. military service paper(s)
• Copy of your W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax return for the last year

This checklist can help you gather information and documents you may need to apply. If you don’t have all the documents, don’t worry. In many cases, your local Social Security office can help you find the information.

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

You can initiate the process with whichever of the following options you prefer.

• Online at ssa.gov (you’re required to create a my Social Security account prior to applying online)
• Call 800-772-1213, TTY 800-325-0778
• In person at your local Social Security office

What is Social Security’s place in my overall retirement plan?

For personalized guidance, consider consulting with a financial professional who can address your Social Security benefit questions and help determine the proper role for Social Security in your retirement.

Next steps to consider:

• Use our retirement calculator to track your retirement saving progress.
• Learn about our approach to retirement planning.