The Social Security benefits formula used to determine your primary insurance amount is:
- 90% of average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) up to a first bend point. ...
- 32% of AIME between a first and second bend point
- 15% of AIME above the second bend point
How to calculate your projected Social Security benefit?
- For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings up to $926, you’ll get 90 cents per month in benefits.
- For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings between $927 and $5,583 you’ll get $.32 cents per month in benefits.
- For every dollar of average indexed monthly earnings beyond $5,583 you’ll get $.15 cents per month in benefits.
How do I determine my social security benefit?
Try refreshing the page. Today's Social Security column addresses questions about how Social Security spousal benefits are calculated, whether it's necessary to file in January to get a given year's COLA and what effects of benefits rates not paying taxes can have.
How do you determine your Social Security benefit amount?
- For earnings that fall within the first band, you multiply by 90%. That is the first part of your benefit.
- For earnings that fall within the second band, you multiply by 32%. That is the second part of your benefit.
- For earnings that are greater than the maximum of the second band, you multiply by 15%. This is the third part of your benefit.
How do you estimate Social Security benefits?
You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security benefits card, check the status of an existing application, estimate how many future benefits you’ll receive or manage the ones you are already getting. One of the most important reasons ...
Primary Insurance Amount
The basic Social Security benefit is called the primary insurance amount (PIA). Typically the PIA is a function of average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). We determine the PIA by applying a PIA formula to AIME. The formula we use depends on the year of first eligibility (the year a person attains age 62 in retirement cases).
Benefit Based on PIA and Age
The amount of retirement benefits paid depends on a person's age when he or she begins receiving benefits. We reduce benefits taken before a person's normal (or full) retirement age and we increase benefits taken after normal retirement age.
Two Other Methods
Two other methods for computing a PIA have limited applicability. Relatively few new beneficiaries qualify for these two other methods.
How to calculate Social Security benefits?
Your Social Security benefit is based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). You can calculate this by looking at your annual income each year. Make sure you only include the portion of your income that was subject to Social Security tax.
How much does the SSA withhold?
If you make more than $45,360 in 2018 after filing a claim for Social Security benefits, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn in excess of this higher limit.
How many years do you have to work to get Social Security?
Add up your income for the 35 highest years. Social Security benefits are based on your average earnings for 35 years of work. If you haven't worked for at least 35 years, Social Security will average in zeroes for as many years as you are short. If you've worked more than 35 years, choose the 35 years in which you earned the most income.
How much will Social Security be reduced if you retire early?
However, if you claim your benefit before you reach full retirement, your benefits will be reduced by 30 percent.
What is the age of full retirement?
1. Determine your normal retirement age (NRA). Your NRA, also called "full retirement age," is based on the year you were born, but varies generally from 65 to 67. This is the age at which you will receive your full benefit amount. If you file a claim for Social Security benefits before this age, you'll get less money.
Is Social Security taxable if spouse is still working?
This is also true if your spouse is still working, since Social Security benefits are also taxable. Decide whether you plan to keep working. If you don't intend to completely quit working after you file your claim for Social Security benefits, the SSA may withhold some of your benefits.
What is indexing factor in SSA?
The SSA uses an indexing factor to make sure your future benefit has kept up with inflation, but still based on your earnings. Important note here …only your earnings through age 59 are indexed. All earnings at age 60 and beyond are used in the calculation at face value with no inflation adjustment applied. Also….
How much is Social Security reduced for 36 months?
For the 36 month period before full retirement age your benefit is reduced by .556% and for more than 36 months it is reduced by .417% per month. And that is it! Once you’ve gotten through this step you’ve successfully calculated your Social Security benefit.
