5 More Facts You Might Not Know About Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
What kind of questions do you and your friends ask about Social Security? When do my benefits arrive? What are Social Security work credits, and do they have anything to do with the way my benefits are figured? Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare? Read on to find the answers to these questions.
1. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due.
When you meet all the requirements for eligibility, the benefit check you receive is payment for the prior month’s benefits. For information on the payment of benefits, you can read our pamphlet, What You Need to Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits.
To know when checks will be paid, you can save the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments to your “Favorites” or print it.
2. We don’t pay benefits for the month of death.
Social Security uses the same throughout-the-month rule to determine eligibility for the benefit that is due for the month of death. You must live through the full month to be eligible for the payment. See the pamphlet above in the section titled If a beneficiary dies for more information about when a check is due.
3. Survivors benefits can replace a percentage of the worker’s earnings for family members.
The eligible family members of a retired or disabled beneficiary may receive a monthly payment of up to 50 percent of beneficiary’s amount. Survivors benefits usually range from about 75 percent to 100 percent of the deceased worker’s amount. Visit our Understanding the Benefits publication for an explanation of the amounts family members receive.
4. Work credits determine eligibility for benefits, but your lifetime earnings are used to calculate your monthly benefit amount.
Retired workers need 40 work credits to be eligible for benefits, but your work credits alone do not determine how much you will receive each month. When we figure your retirement benefit, we use the average of your highest 35 years of earnings. See Your Retirement Benefit: How It Is Figured for more information.
5. If you receive retirement benefits before you reach age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay. It also pays for some home health care and hospice care. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventative services. When you’re already receiving retirement benefits, we automatically sign you up for Medicare Parts A and B when you turn age 65. You can then decline Part B if you choose, since it requires a monthly premium. If you are not receiving retirement benefits as you approach age 65, you should contact Social Security three months before age 65 to sign up for Medicare Part A and B. Even if you don’t want to retire at 65, you should sign up for Medicare only. For more details, check out our Medicare page.
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About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Dix
Please help.
I have worked in the US for many years.
Back in Germany, I received Social Security for some years and was happy.
4 months ago, payment suddenly stopped.
Contacted Boston main office by mail, telephone, fax, registered letter.
No response at all.
None, nothing.
Any advice ?
Thanks®ards,
Dix
A.C.
Hi, Dix. We are very sorry to hear about your situation Unfortunately, your issue is a bit more than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that you continue to work with your local Federal Benefits Unit if you are outside of the U.S. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or contact. We hope this is resolved soon.
Pamela M.
My question is regarding early retirement and reduced benefits thereafter. I chose the option due experiencing back to back layoffs, desperation and to keep a roof over my head. Needless to say I was in for a shock to find out at age 65 my full benefits would not kick in. I would be stuck with this pittance until I die. Adding fuel to the fire when speaking my concerns to one of your reps, who by the way appeared to be amused at my confusion and situation, I was treated with a “sucks-to-be you” response. The question; why do I not have access to all MY money I was forced to put into the system?? I’ve been working since age 16 why are my retirement earnings not based on All my history and not widdled down to a measly quarter? HAD I not be forced to pay into this inept system I could have afforded a much better plan than social security. Okay, for applying early penalize me, but to do it forever??? The only other options are to pay you all monies back and start fresh or RIP off my ex-husbands. NEITHER am I willing or prepared to do. 1. You need to school your reps regarding their attitude towards taxpayers 2. Your website needs to alert those applying early of your evil intentions several times during the application process, like I don’t know, WHEN ASKED FOR OUR AGE, would be an appropriate time! Also is this penalty due to other persons unqualified for the benefit who are receiving funds and are sucking at the same retirement teat, or that Congress hasn’t paid back funds they borrowed? Don’t bother to reply with your standard canned response cause I’m not believing it.
VIRGINIA
I HAVE A CO-WORKER WHO IS OF RETIREMENT AGE TODAY 12-20 SHE SAID SHE RECEIVED HER SOCIAL SECURITY DEPOTSIT YESTERDAY. HOW COME I HAD TO WAIT A FULL MONTH AFTER MY BIRTHDAY TO RECEIVE MINE?
A.C.
Thank you for contacting us, Virginia. To begin receiving reduced retirement benefits at 62, you are required to be age 62 for the entire month. For SSA purposes, individuals born on the first or second day of the month are considered age 62 for the “full” month and could be entitled to benefits for the month of their 62nd birthday. Retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your want your benefits to begin with the month of December, you will receive your first benefit payment in January. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. If you have additional questions, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and talk with one of our representatives. We hope this helps.
Dale H.
can I receive more benefits for my military reserve time?
V.V.
Hello Dale. Thank you for your service!
Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security.
Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for periods of active duty from 1957 through 2001 can also be credited to your Social Security earnings record for benefit purposes.
•If you were in the active military service from 1957 through 1967, special extra earnings are added to your earnings record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
•If your active duty was after 1967, the extra earnings are already on your record.
There are no special extra earnings credits for military service after 2001.
These special earnings credits are added to your earnings record automatically when you apply for Social Security benefits.
Please read our publication: Military Service and Social Security for more information. Thanks!
Gill y.
How can I find out if Social Security is paying me the correct amount I have earned?
V.V.
Hello Gill. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You can also contact your local office.
Gail Y.
Good morning , I am filing out the online application for early retirement. There is a question under the children section asking if there are any children, grandchildren etc. under 18 living with me? My 15 year old grand son lives with us full time. He is not disabled or anything do I still answer yes?
V.V.
Hi Gail, thank you for your question. Under current law, Social Security can only pay benefits to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. In addition to providing for more than 50% of their support, as you are doing now, the biological parents of the children must be deceased or disabled, or you must have legally adopted them. See “Benefits For Grandchildren” for more information.
Rafael J.
I just got approved for ssdi in December 2018. Do I receive my first payment in January 2019? Also do I get back pay for the months I waited for approval?
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Rafael. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your benefits, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Screwed b.
Re the SSA offices closing in honor of President Bush… He was the President of the United States of America, not the President of AMERICA!!! America is a CONTINENT! Who was the illiterate that wrote the announcement?!?!
Norm
Hi
I Have Been Collecting SSI since 2015 I am Mentally Disabled And Cannot Ever Work Again Due to My Various Problems I find it very Hard to live Just On SSI as my Only income My question is
I am 63.5 Years Old Can I Start Collecting SS Retirement
And Still Collect My SSI? I Get Food Stamps,Health Insurance with Prescriptions,Fuel Assistance And A Department Of Mental Health Social Worker From the State who Helps me with Things i cannot dAny More is it possible to collect Both SS And SSI Together?
Thankyou
Thankyou
R.F.
We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. There are times when people can receive both SSI and SSDI, depending on their situation and whether they meet the requirements.
Also, If an SSI recipient is insured and qualifies on his or her own record for their own retirement benefit, they are required to apply at age 62. Failure to apply for additional benefits will result in suspension or termination of their SSI benefits. We hope this information is helpful.
cecilia d.
hello, Goodmorning, i would like to know how can i go about adding my children and myself to my first husband social security benefits
V.V.
Hi Cecilia: Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you. To inquire about potential benefits that you and your family may be due, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m or visit your local Social Security office.