Get Social Security 360 Analyzer

Most people can receive an estimate of their benefit based on their actual Social Security earnings record by going to .socialsecurity.gov/estimator. You also can calculate future retirement benefits by using the Social Security Benefit Calculators at .socialsecurity.gov.

The lump-sum option is only available to people who have reached full retirement age without filing to receive benefits. And it will result in a permanently lower monthly benefit for anyone who opts to receive it. A financial advisor can help you develop a strategy for claiming your Social Security benefits.

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

When you reach your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you want and still get your full Social Security benefit. If you're younger than full retirement age, and if your earnings exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your benefit payments within the one year period will be withheld.

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefit. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

You can earn any amount and not be affected by the Social Security earnings test once you reach full retirement age, or FRA. That's 66 and 4 months if you were born in 1956, 66 and 6 months for people born in 1957, and gradually increasing to 67 for people born in 1960 and later.

The Restricted Application Loophole One Social Security loophole allowed married individuals to begin receiving a spousal benefit at full retirement age, while letting their own retirement benefit grow. This was done by filing what is called a restricted application.

You can apply: Online; or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. Call ahead to make an appointment. If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S.

If you're younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits. If you're younger than full retirement age during all of 2023, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $21,240.