Social Security is a system enacted in 1935 to keep workers from falling into poverty upon retirement. The program was designed to provide basic retirement benefits for workers reaching age 65.

How much does Social Security pay?

Social Security monthly benefits can be as high as $4,194, but benefit payments are regularly adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases. Social Security benefit payments are guaranteed and supported by the Social Security Trust Fund and provide half or more retirement income for many retirees.

Who qualifies for Social Security?

Workers who pay (or have paid) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes are covered by Social Security. After paying into the system for at least 40 quarters (10 years on average), they are fully insured and will be eligible to receive retirement income benefits.

These benefits are based on a worker’s highest earnings over a 35-year period. If a worker has not paid into the Social Security system for 40 quarters, he or she is not eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits.

When should you file for Social Security?

Social Security can be received any time after age 62 but filing prior to the full retirement age and continuing to work will reduce the benefit amount based on the amount earned. In 2022, earning less than $19,560 annually will not affect the benefit amount.

When the full retirement age is reached, earning more than $19,560 will affect the amount received—for every $2 earned, the benefit will be reduced by $1. In the year the full retirement age is reached, the earning threshold increases to $51,960. Earning more will reduce the benefit by $1 for every $3 earned over the limit. Upon reaching full retirement age, there is no deduction to the worker's benefit based on earnings.