Social Security History (2024)

FAQs

How can 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. If you have a problem or question, try our toll-free telephone number first.

To get a copy of your earnings records, you'll need to fill out and submit Form SSA-7050-F4. This form is available on the SSA website. Your earnings records include: Your total wages earned each year.

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.

Most people You can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement need 40 credits, earned over their working lifetime, to to see whether your Social Security benefit amount receive retirement benefits. For disabilitv and survivors will be affected. benefits, young people need fewer credits to be eligible.

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.

You can receive a statement of your employment history from Social Security by completing a Request for Social Security Earnings Information form. You will receive detailed information about your work history including employment dates, employer names and addresses, and earnings.

Learn more about credits at www.ssa.gov/planners/credits.html. Although you need at least 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, we base the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.

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.

• 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.

What is the Social Security secret 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.

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.

The number of credits you need to receive retirement benefits depends on when you were born. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (10 years of work). If you stop working before you have enough credits to be eligible for benefits, the credits will remain on your Social Security record.

The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive. We use the number of credits you've earned to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, Medicare, and your family's eligibility for survivors benefits. We cannot pay benefits to you if you don't have enough credits.

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).

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.

Provide accurate and truthful information about your medical condition, symptoms, and limitations. Clearly communicate the severity of your disability and how it affects your ability to work. Explain your daily activities. Describe in detail how your disability impacts your everyday life and activities.