Social Security Q&A: Explaining How Retirement Benefits Are Calculated
Question: How are my retirement benefits calculated? Answer: Your Social Security benefits are based on earnings averaged over your lifetime. Your actual earnings are first adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then Social Security calculates your average monthly indexed earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. Social Security applies a formula to...
Social Security Q&A: Benefits to Kids After Retirement
Question: I have two minor children at home and I plan to retire soon. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire? Answer: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if: ■ They are unmarried and under age 18; ■ Age 18 or 19 and still in high school; or ■ Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continue to be disabled. Children who may qualify include a biological...
Social Security Q&A: Many Helpful Publications Available on Audiobook
Question: I prefer reading by audiobook. Does Social Security have audio publications? Answer: Yes. You can find them at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include What You Can Do Online, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies, Apply Online for Social Security Benefits, and Your Social Security Card and Number. You can listen now at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Q: I am...
Social Security Q&A: Explaining Different Disability Documents
Question: What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both? Answer: A disability application is a claim for Social Security disability benefits. A disability report provides information about your current physical or mental condition that is needed to process your disability application. To establish a claim for disability benefits, you need to file a disability...
A Small-Business Toolbox
Many small businesses have a small human resources team. In many cases, one person is responsible for handling HR, along with other duties. Those outside of HR don’t always understand or appreciate what the function can do for their organization. Effective human resource management can help an organization in two major ways. It can manage risk by helping the organization avoid costly fines and lawsuits; and it can enhance productivity...
