Social Security Q&A

Q: I’m reaching my full retirement age and thinking about retiring early next year. When is the best time of year to apply for Social Security benefits?

A: You can apply as early as four months before you want your monthly benefits to begin. To apply, just go to www.ssa.gov/apply. Applying online for retirement benefits from the convenience of your home or office is secure and can take as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy!

Q.: I haven’t received my Social Security Statement in the mail the last few years. Will I ever get one again?

A.: We currently mail Social Security statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a personal my Social Security account. We mail the statements three months prior to your birthday. Anyone can access their statement online if they have a personal my Social Security account. We encourage you to create your own account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and check your statement at your convenience.

Q.: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income?

A.: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically credits the new earnings. If your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).