General, Social Security Benefits

5 Social Security Messages for Holiday Gatherings  

December 23, 2024 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: April 18, 2025

‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations. When gathering ‘round Christmas trees or the candles of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, may you be surrounded by the love of family and friends. As you dine on traditional favorites, we hope you enjoy good food and conversation.

If the topic of Social Security comes up during a holiday get-together, we’ve put together 5 basic messages you can share with your loved ones.

  1. Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account – If you’re getting Social Security, you can manage your benefits with your online account – without the need to contact us. If you’re not receiving benefits, it’s never too soon to create an account. There, you can review your earnings record. We pay benefits based on the earnings that are posted, so tell us if a correction is needed. You’ll also want to check out your Social Security Statement for estimates of future benefits.
  2. Social Security is more than a retirement program – We also pay benefits to people who can’t work because of a disability and survivors benefits to some family members when a worker dies.
  3. Learn how Social Security figures benefits – We calculate retirement benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings – not 10 years, not the last 5, but 35.
  4. Determine when you can start retirement benefits and how the age you choose effects your monthly amount – The full retirement age is rising to 67 for people born in 1960 or later. While you can receive Social Security retirement as early as age 62, your monthly amount may be permanently reduced if you start benefits before your full retirement age. If you delay your benefits past full retirement age, you can boost your benefit amount by about 8% for each year you delay up until age 70.
  5. Save and invest for a secure financial future – The average retirement benefit in 2025 is $1,976 a month – less than $24,000 a year. Average disability and survivors benefits are less. You need other income besides Social Security to live comfortably in retirement.

When the topic of Social Security comes up during the holidays, please share some of our key messages with your family and friends. Want to learn more? Visit our online Frequently Asked Questions.

We wish you all the best this holiday season and in 2025!

 

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  1. klaud

    Are you ready? The next jump could take you to the top – only in Drift Boss

    Reply
  2. barker x.

    I used to think that Social Security was only for retirement, but after creating an account and learning more about it, I Drift Boss realized that it also supports you when you lose your ability to work or your family if you are no longer around.

    Reply
  3. klaudiyapetr

    I used to think that Social Security was only for retirement, but after creating an account and learning more about it, I realized that it also supports you when you lose your ability to work or your family if you are no longer around. It is really helpful to know how to calculate your benefits and plan accordingly, it is like playing Drift Boss – if you don’t calculate each step carefully, it is easy to “slip” when you are old. The most important thing is not to rely on this amount alone, you have to save more.

    Reply
  4. aueranna

    Are you ready? The next jump could take you to the top – only in Geometry Dash!

    Reply
  5. Ansel H.

    This is a really helpful reminder about the importance of understanding Social Security! I think a lot of people, especially younger folks, tend to put this on the back burner. Checking your earnings record is crucial – imagine realizing years down the line that there’s an error. The point about needing supplemental income is spot on too. It really highlights how important it is to start saving early. My nephew is obsessed with this game called Monkey Mart, where you build and manage a store. While it’s just a game, it’s actually sparking some interesting conversations about budgeting and financial planning in our family! It is good to know these details about how Social Security works, this help me have a good financial planning. Thanks for sharing this information!

    Reply
  6. RStone S.

    It’s essential to think strategically about Social Security benefits. Delaying the start can significantly increase your monthly income. However, it’s not just about Social Security; diversifying your retirement savings is crucial. Speaking of financial planning, have you checked out the game bad parenting ? It’s a fun way to learn about making smart choices, even in hypothetical scenarios. Let’s ensure we’re all set for a secure future!

    Reply
  7. carol

    NOT EVERYBODY IS A GURU ON THE COMPUTER! SIGNING INTO THIS SITE IS A PAIN!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Aaron H.

    I want to know how to get my retirement

    Reply

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