Social Security Benefits
If you are approaching retirement or already retired, you probably have some questions about whether or not you are eligible for Social Security benefits.  Especially in the aftermath of significant financial losses, it is important to take a close look at the income benefits Social Security may provide.

Who Benefits from Social Security?
The Social Security program affects virtually every American, and is often the cornerstone of most people’s retirement plans.  According to the Social Security Administration, today about 165 million people work and pay Social Security taxes and about 59 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits.

Social Security Basics
The amount of Social Security benefits paid in retirement is generally based
on the average of the highest 35 years of wages earned and the recipient’s age at retirement.

How Do Benefits Accrue?
As you earn income and pay taxes*, you also earn “credits.” For income earned in the year 2017, you must earn $1,300 in covered earnings to get one Social Security or Medicare work credit and $5,200 to get the maximum four credits for the year. The amount of earned income required to earn one credit usually increases every year.  Most people need 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work) to qualify for benefits.
*For Specific Tax Advice Consult a Qualified Tax Professional

Retire Sooner or Later
You generally can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or as late as 70. However, if you start your benefits early, your benefits may be reduced.  Choosing when to retire and begin drawing benefits may be one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime.

Full Retirement Age
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), full retirement age is 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954. Beginning with 1955, two months are added for every birth year until the full retirement age reaches 67 for people born in 1960 or later.  If you choose to retire when you reach full retirement age, you will receive your full retirement benefits. But if you retire before reaching full retirement age, you will receive reduced benefits for the rest of your life.

Who Can Help Me?
As you prepare to review where you stand financially it may be helpful to consult with a financial professional who can assist in making those informed decisions. Planning carefully, investing wisely and spending thoughtfully will help increase the likelihood that you stay on track to a financially secure retirement.

 

 

Please visit these sources for more information:
http://www.ssa.gov/planners/

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Consumers Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.