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July questions and answers from Social Security
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[August 16, 2011]
GENERAL --I
thought I saw Patty Duke with George Takei in a new video for Social
Security. Was that really them?
Answer:
Yes. Patty Duke joined George Takei to tell Americans to Boldly
Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for retirement, disability,
Medicare, and so much more. The two celebrities have donated their
time for a new campaign promoting Social Security’s online services
as an easy and secure way for people to do business with the agency.
Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov where you also can watch the videos
online.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Question:
When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies,
who is eligible for survivors benefits?
Answer:
Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:
- Widows or widowers — full benefits at full
retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60;
- Disabled widows or widowers — as early as
age 50;
- Widows or widowers at any age if they take
care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled and
receiving Social Security benefits;
- Unmarried children under 18, or up to age
19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain
circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren,
grandchildren, or adopted children;
- Children at any age who were disabled
before age 22 and remain disabled; and
- Dependent parents age 62 or older.
Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivors
benefits based on the earnings record of a former spouse. For more
information, go to
www.socialsecurity.gov.
RETIREMENT
Question:
What is a Social Security “credit?”
Answer:
During your working years, earnings covered by Social Security
are posted to your record. You earn Social Security credits based on
those earnings. The amount of earnings needed for one credit rises
as average earnings levels rise. In 2011, you receive one credit for
each $1,120 of earnings. You can earn up to a maximum of four
credits a year. Most people will need a minimum of 40 credits (or 10
years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits. Learn more by
reading the online publication How You Earn Credits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.
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 Question:
What’s so easy about applying online for benefits?
Answer:
There’s no need to go to a local Social Security office or wait
for an appointment with a Social Security representative. You can
apply in less than 15 minutes. Just visit
www.socialsecurity.gov. Once you submit your electronic
application, you’re done. In most cases, there are no forms to sign
or documents to mail. Try it at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question:
What is the earliest age that I can begin receiving retirement
benefits?
Answer:
You can get a reduced benefit as early as age 62. Keep in mind
that your monthly benefit amount would be about 33 percent higher if
you wait until age 66 and nearly 80 percent higher if you defer
payments until age 70. Visit our Retirement Estimator to find
out how much you can expect to receive. You can find it at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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