Social Security Terms in Plain Language
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
Some of the terms and acronyms (an abbreviation of the first letters of words in a phrase) people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know.
Social Security employees strive to explain benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. In fact, The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.”
If a technical term or acronym that you don’t know slips into the conversation or appears in written material, you can easily find the meaning in our online glossary.
Social Security’s acronyms function as verbal shorthand in your financial planning conversations. If you’re nearing retirement, you may want to know what PIA (primary insurance amount), FRA (full retirement age), and DRCs (delayed retirement credits) mean. These terms involve your benefit amount based on when you decide to take it.
If you take your retirement benefit at FRA, you’ll receive the full PIA (amount payable for a retired worker who starts benefits at full retirement age). So, FRA is an age and PIA is an amount.
Once you receive benefits, you get a COLA most years. But don’t expect a fizzy drink — a COLA is a Cost of Living Adjustment, and that will usually mean a little extra money in your monthly payment.
What about DRCs? Delayed retirement credits are the incremental increases added to the PIA if you delay taking retirement benefits beyond your full retirement age. If you wait to begin benefits beyond FRA — say, at age 68 or even 70 — your benefit increases.
If one of those unknown terms or acronyms comes up in conversation, you can be the one to supply the definition using our online glossary. Sometimes learning the terminology can deepen your understanding of w Social Security works for you. Discover and share more on our website.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Rose
Thank you for this information. I have a question and hope you can help me. Today I received a notice how to opt-out of getting notices from SS by mail. My problem is the opposite……somehow I inadvertently opted out a year or so ago BY MISTAKE. I am 80 years old and really want to get my notice by mail. It’s what I understand. Can you help me with this? Thank you.
Rose
A.C.
Hi, Rose. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
carlos b.
i’m 65 years old right now, next year march 66yrs. old. I was born 1954 , still working full
time. Am i still on a $17,620 limit next year after march?
A.C.
Hi, Carlos. Thanks for your question. When you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more details, visit our Getting Benefits While Working web page. We hope this helps.
Lloyd D.
Having trouble signing in to my ss acct…tried my username & password a dozen times & ways. Don’t want to create a new one. What gives?
A.C.
Hi, Lloyd. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Bob M.
My wife will turn 66 in February 2020. When does she apply to receive her social security payments ? She is already receiving her Medicare. Thanks !
A.C.
Hi, Bob. Social Security retirement applications can be filed up to 4 months in advance. Since she is already entitled to Medicare, she can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., to set up an appointment. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. She can also contact her local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Jim H.
I have a general question regarding my Social Security account. I opted to receive my benefits last year, but I am still working, drawing W-2 wages. Why am I required to pay into Social Security although I am receiving social security benefits? It seems to me to be counter intuitive?
Where does this contribution go? I don’t receive any benefit for paying into an account now that I am drawing my benefit. thanks.
L.A.
Hi Jim. To learn more about this issue, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page and read our publication titled “How Work Affects Your Benefits”. If you have specific questions about your personal situation, you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and speak with one of our representatives. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.
Rodger L.
how do I get the with holding tax taken off of my check
L.A.
Hi Rodger. If you want to start, change, or stop the withholding of taxes from your Social Security benefits, you need to complete and present to us (Social Security) the IRS form W-4V. You can find the link to the W-4V and additional information about this form on our internet page titled “Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits.” We hope this helps.
Chipo
That’s the same exact question I wanted to ask too but since you have asked, i have no problem.. I have been having serious issues with the holding tax
John T.
I would like to know when my social security will expire? What year will it end or when will I run out of money?
James M.
Why is the government using my social security money? Social Security was intended to be a savings account for our ( the citizens ) retirement. Did we ( the citizens ) get asked if it was okay to do that?
Would just like to know.
Just explain it to me in plain English.
Sincerely,
James Morgan.
Patrick P.
where are SSI ofices located in Colorado and their hours?
A.C.
Hi, Patrick. To find specific local Social Security office information, visit here. Thanks!
waltls300@gmail.com
I was married 40 years. I receive DSSI, she received SSI. Am I entitled to her benefits? She passed away about 3 yrs. ago.
A.C.
Hi. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Only eligible family members may be able to receive monthly survivor benefits under Social Security. For more information on this, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies . We hope this helps.