Robert T. Green C.P.A. P.C.

(865) 482-4211

Retirement Read Time: 3 min

9 Facts About Social Security

Social Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you.

  1. The Social Security trust fund is huge. It was $2.8 trillion at the end of 2022.1
  2. Most workers are eligible for Social Security benefits, but not all. For example, until 1984, federal government employees were part of the Civil Service Retirement System and were not covered by Social Security.2
  3. You don't have to work long to be eligible. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need to work for 10 or more years to be eligible for benefits.3
  4. Benefits are based on an individual's average earnings during a lifetime of work under the Social Security system. The calculation is based on the 35 highest years of earnings. If an individual has years of low or no earnings, Social Security may count those years to bring the total years to 35.4
  5. There haven't always been cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in Social Security benefits. Before 1975, increasing benefits required an act of Congress; now, increases happen automatically, based on the Consumer Price Index. There was a COLA increase of 8.7% in 2023, but there was an increase of 5.9% in 2022.5
  6. Social Security is a major source of retirement income for 64% of current retirees.6
  7. Social Security benefits are subject to federal income taxes – but it wasn't always that way. In 1983, Amendments to the Social Security Act made benefits taxable, starting with the 1984 tax year.7
  8. Social Security recipients received a single lump-sum payment from 1937 until 1940. One-time payments were considered "payback" to those people who contributed to the program. Social Security administrators believed these people would not participate long enough to be vested for monthly benefits.8
  9. In January 1937, Earnest Ackerman became the first person in the U.S. to receive a Social Security benefit – a lump sum of 17 cents.8

1. SSA.gov, 2023
2. Investopedia.com, April 4, 2023
3. SSA.gov, 2023
4. SSA.gov, 2023
5. SSA.gov, 2023
6. EBRI.org, 2022
7. SSA.gov, 2023
8. SSA.gov, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Deciding When to Take Social Security

Deciding When to Take Social Security

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.

How Income Taxes Work

How Income Taxes Work

A quick look at how federal income taxes work.

Managing an Inheritance

Managing an Inheritance

A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

The ABC’s of Auto Insurance

What kind of auto insurance should you have? Do you know?

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen

This early financial decision could prove helpful over time.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

View all articles

Home Mortgage Deduction

Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.

Social Security Taxes

Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.

Disability Income

This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.

View all calculators

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

Rightsizing for Retirement

What does your home really cost?

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

View all videos