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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Debra A.
Can someone on Disability do caregiving for someone or not?
Elizabeth S.
please explain income related monthly adjustment amount benefit rate increase.
L.A.
Hi Elizabeth. Income-related monthly adjustment means that a person with higher income, based on income reported on federal income tax returns, is subject to a higher premium for her/his Medicare Part B. For more information, please see our publication titled “Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries.” We hope this helps.
Mary W.
I would still like a paper copy of all information on ss. Thank you
Mary E.
My husband and I were divorced 25 yrs ago..we said in our degree that we wouldn’t ask for each other pension and social security..we were married for 15 years..can he go and file on my social security….
L.A.
Hi Mary. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, you have to be age 62, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information about divorced spouse’s benefits, please visit our Benefits Planner: If You Are Divorced. For specific questions about your case, please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this information helps.
James
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Bob B.
I’m appalled to hear by rejecting paper mail in favor of digital communication now means any new policy changes that may affect seniors now means “come and find it” without any insight as to what if anything may affect their benefits. Is this not counterintuitive of the cost savings of paper communication in favor of digital? If one has any expectation of being informed will now be required to consent to paper mail. This new policy smells of hiding the ball until it’s too late to adapt. Let’s not be ignorant to the fact the internet is not available to all. Or is there a reasonable expectation for the elderly to know or learn the required skills. Sends the message SSA or government as a whole is avoiding announcing something unpleasant.
Jeannie
If I’m on disability, and I turn 65 can I go to work, if the Dr. Tells me it’s ok?
L.A.
Thanks for your question, Jeannie. When you reach full retirement age, we will automatically convert your disability benefits to retirement benefits. If you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn, starting with the month you reach your full retirement age. On the other hand, if you return to work prior to your full retirement age and are receiving Social Security disability, special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. For 2019, those limits are: $2,240 if you are legally blind; or $1,220 a month if you are not blind. For more information on working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, click here.
Whether you are receiving Social Security or SSI, you may be able to work. Learn more information by reading our publication titled “Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.” We hope this helps.
Warren S.
If you want to stop filing taxes, how do you go about it? We don’t collect enough to file. How do I do this by the end of 2019?
Thank You!
Stanley b.
I want paper mail.
How d.
How do I give you a change of address
A.C.
Hi. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.