According to Lagradaonline, Given the critical role Social Security plays in the lives of retirees, one would assume that most Americans are aware of their potential benefits upon retirement. However, recent research from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) reveals a troubling reality: only 11% of Americans who are not yet retired know exactly how much they stand to receive. Furthermore, 24% are “not very sure” of their benefit amounts, while 22% report having no idea what their entitlements would be. This lack of knowledge could hinder effective financial planning for retirement, which is essential for maintaining a quality lifestyle on a fixed income.
How to Obtain Your Social Security Benefit Estimate
Tyler Bond, research director at NIRS, emphasized during a recent presentation that checking one’s Social Security benefit estimate is a straightforward process. “Workers can go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and log into their own account to receive an estimate of their future benefit amounts. However, many workers seem not to have done that and lack a clear understanding of what they will personally receive from Social Security,” he explained.
Anyone aged 18 and over can create a “My Social Security” account to access their records. For those aged 60 and over without an online account, a paper statement can be requested to be mailed.
What Your Social Security Statements Reveal
According to Joe Elsasser, certified financial planner and president of Covisum, Social Security statements are particularly beneficial for individuals aged 62 to 70, the age range for early retirement and delayed retirement benefits. These statements detail how annual cost-of-living adjustments can impact monthly benefit checks.
Elsasser advises that understanding this information is crucial for all workers but especially for those nearing retirement age. He suggests considering, “What kind of living standard would Social Security provide if you continue to work and earn wages in line with inflation? That’s what the Social Security statement tells you.”
Limitations of Social Security Statements
It’s important to note that these statements rely on current information and cannot predict future wages or significant cost-of-living changes. Jim Blair, vice president of Premier Social Security Consulting and former Social Security administrator, notes, “The closer someone is to age 62, the more accurate the statement is likely to be.”
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Ensuring Accurate Earnings History
To make these statements as accurate as possible, individuals should verify that their earnings history correctly reflects their wage history. Addressing discrepancies promptly is far easier than trying to resolve issues when records become lost over time.
If mistakes are found, correcting them can be straightforward. Individuals can take the correct W-2 form to their local SSA office or use tax returns, wage stubs, pay slips, or personal wage records as verification. However, even with accurate records, individuals may still receive less in benefits than expected due to potential shortfalls in the Social Security Trusts. Although payroll taxes will continue to sustain a portion of projected benefits, the actual amount could vary, depending on congressional actions to shore up the program.
Preparing for Potential Changes
Elsasser warns, “It’s entirely reasonable to anticipate benefit cuts for younger people. Planning as though these benefits will be entirely available is a poor assumption.” By proactively checking and understanding their Social Security benefits, individuals can better prepare for their financial future in retirement.
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