Q: My cousin and I are both retired and get Social Security. We worked for the same employer for years, but he gets a higher Social Security benefit. Why is that?
A: Your payments are based on your earnings over your lifetime. Unless you are both the same age, started and stopped work on the exact same dates and earned the very same amount every year of your careers, you wouldn’t get the same benefit as your cousin. Social Security benefits are based on many years of earnings — generally your highest 35 years. To learn more about Social Security retirement benefits, visit ssa.gov/benefits.
Q: I went back to work after retiring, but now the company I work for is downsizing. I’ll be receiving unemployment benefits in a few weeks. Will this affect my retirement benefits?
A: When it comes to retirement benefits, Social Security does not count unemployment as earnings, so your retirement benefits will not be affected. However, any income you receive from Social Security may reduce your unemployment benefits. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction to your unemployment compensation.
Q: My neighbor said he applied for Social Security retirement benefits online. Can you really apply for retirement without traveling to an office?
A: Yes, you can. What’s more exciting is it’s the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits. Our secure website makes it simple, allowing you to apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. You can get started now at ssa.gov/applyonline.
Q: What is the earliest age I can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits?
A: The earliest age you can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. If you decide to receive benefits before your full retirement age, which for most people is age 66 or 67, you will receive a reduced benefit. Keep in mind you will not be able to receive Medicare coverage until age 65, even if you decide to retire at an earlier age.
For more information, go to ssa.gov/retire.
For questions, online applications or to make an appointment at a SSA office, call between 7am & 5pm, Mon–Fri:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | socialsecurity.gov
