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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Liliana D.
I have been receiving calls (messages on my phone) informing me that my Social Security will be blocked because of criminal activity and directing me to press 1 or call 443-342-2708. I know it’s a scam and want to report it. Is this the right site to report such scam? If not, please direct me. Thank you!
Luis A.
Hi Liliana. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Tech A.
How does our government / Public Service Jobs discriminate against the REAL hidden minorities! Do you even know what they are, or are you just content swollowing whatever poisons the media, politicians, and special interest groups feed you???
Look and examine ALL the facts. There a 7 continents and multitues of countries, sections, regions, religions,… etc. Are ALL EAUALLY represented in the US and even the world? Why?
If only certain handful of groups constantly show up in the top jobs, positions of power and infuence, access to certain schools and careers, ,.,,, Keep looking and focus on details and the ‘entire power infrastructure’ of each country, state, city, corporation… what patterns do you see repeated that should frighten you….
Then and ONLY then will you see and understand what is takeing place in our and the world society….
Watch where the victoms are victomized and are used as cover-ups for organized criminals. They hide behind the innocent like kids, gender, sexual orientation, religion, color, race, nationalism, guns, anything that takes the attention of the real criminals out of the spotlight and shuts it down completely….
All the Criminals have one thing in commonn here. They ALWAYS turn the blame on the victims and try to make the victoms seem as the evil ones. When you commint crimes you should NOT be able to use any of these cover-ups as a shield to get away with the crime. The punishment in those cases should at least be trippled or raised to a JUST LEVEL. In other words, an honest person trying to make a living should not be treated in the same manner as a billionaire that can afford to pay any fee to get away with a crime. To ME that’s NOT JUSTICE when it’s strictly based on wealth, position, or power. The real punishment and equality is jail time, equal conditions and terms of that jail time… etc… Payments depending on wealth on top of the real punichment…
Tech.
Kara
As you say on many commercials and other sites you NEVER know if it’s a scam!
Naijaflash N.
Hlo
SANDRA S.
How do you apply for disabilty?
Luis A.
Hi Sandra. Please note that Social Security pays disability benefits to a person that has a medical condition that has prevented her/him from working for at least 12 months or will end in death. You can apply for disability benefits online. First, print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application. Second, complete the Disability Benefit Application. We hope this helps.
Gliseria D.
Very well you explication thanks
naijapace
wow nice write up i really like this… nice one.
thanks to the writer always visit naijapace
Frank R.
I have forgotten my password and can not get into my ss account. What can i do to
Luis A.
Hi Frank. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Jack S.
I,m in the Philippines and I can’t log in to my account. I have asked before. Can someone help me.
Echeverry D.
Is Cola an extra amount for everybody? Can you explain more about? How to qualify, how to request it, tell me more please.
Carol J.
Is it possible to claim tax exempt on your W2 when working parttime since I received all I paid in last year when I filed my income taxes. Turned full retirement age of 66 2018 retired at age 62.
Ann C.
Hi, Carol. For any income tax questions, you will need to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website at http://www.irs.gov/. We hope this helps.