General
Question:
What is the estimated average Social Security payment that a person receives each month?
Answer:
The estimated average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2024 is $1,907.00. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a worker with a disability in 2024 is $1,537.00.
Question:
I’m 17 and eager to start my first job, but we’ve misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another?
Answer:
If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to get a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a prospective employer request it, you can get a replacement Social Security card by following the steps below. There is no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to 3 per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime. Your parent can:
• Use our online Social Security Number Card application at www.ssa.gov//number-card/replace-card and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply. Your parent can start the application online and complete the process in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.
• Fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card if they are not able to complete it online.
• Take or mail your application and original or certified documents proving your identity to your local Social Security office or card center.
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social Security Number and Card at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.
Retirement
Question:
I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help?
Answer:
The best place to start is to review your Social Security Statement (Statement) online by using your personal my Social Security account. The Statement provides you with estimates of benefits for you and your family as well as your earnings record and information you should consider about retirement and retirement planning. To create an account, please visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount. The “right” time to retire is different for everyone and depends on your individual situation. To help you make your own decision, we offer an online fact sheet, When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, that highlights some of the factors to consider. Find this publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf.
Question:
I’ve decided I want to retire. Now what do I do?
Answer:
The fastest and easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is to go to www.ssa.gov/apply. Use our online application to apply for Social Security retirement or spouse’s benefits. To do so, you must:
• Be at least 61 years and 9 months old.
• Want to start your benefits in the next 4 months.
You can complete your application in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. Once you’ve electronically submitted your application, you’re done. In most cases, there’s no need to submit any documents.
Disability
Question:
I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I’m still eligible?
Answer:
How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology:
• Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be 6 to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits.
• Medical improvement possible — If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every 3 years.
• Medical improvement not expected — If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every 5 to 7 years.
For more information, read our online publication How We Decide if You Still Have a Qualifying Disability at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10053.pdf.
Question:
How does Social Security decide if I have a disability?
Answer:
For an adult to be considered as having a disability, Social Security must determine that you are unable to do the work you did before and that, based on your age, education, and work experience, you are unable to adjust to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to last for at least 1 year or to result in death. We pay for total disability only. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more information, read our publication, Disability Benefits, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf.
