Americans Don’t Understand These Facts About Social Security
How much — or little — you know about Social Security can have a huge impact on your post-retirement finances. That’s especially true if you’re among the 64% of Americans with less than $10,000 in retirement savings, according to a 2019 GOBankingRates survey. What’s more: 46% claimed to have no savings at all.
A lack of savings was the primary reason Social Security was founded in the first place. In the height of the Great Depression, many older Americans were left penniless and without means to retire or even house themselves. The 1935 Social Security Act ensured that, even if older Americans had no savings or pension, they’d still have some form of income to help keep them afloat in their later years.
To better understand how well-versed Americans are about the ins and outs of Social Security, GOBankingRates polled over 1,000 individuals on six questions to test their knowledge. Although the respondents were pretty evenly split between men and women, over 40% were between the ages of 55 and 65-plus, while just 28% were 34 and younger.
Take a look at how much Americans really know about Social Security.
A Majority of Americans Don’t Know When You Can Start Claiming Benefits
Just 30% of respondents gave the correct answer to a question about the age at which you can start collecting Social Security benefits. Twenty-three percent of respondents thought you can collect at age 65; nearly 15% placed it at ages 67-72; around 10% thought it was at 58 or 60, and 23% answered “None of the above.”
It’s a bit alarming that only 3 out of 10 respondents identified the Social Security eligible age as 62. As one might expect, the older respondents answered this one correctly more often than the younger respondents did, and the oldest group had the highest percentage of correct answers overall.
Although the difference by gender was small, more women (32%) answered this question correctly than men (27%).
But They Do Know the Average Social Security Benefit Amount
Respondents fared better on a question about the average monthly Social Security benefit for retirees, with over 50% choosing the correct ranges: $1,001-$1,500 and $1,501-$2,000 per month. The actual average monthly check is $1,514, according to the Social Security Administration.
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Older Respondents Fared Better Overall
Respondents ages 65 and older scored highest, with 61% choosing one of the two possible correct answers, and respondents ages 55 to 64 came in second with around 59% answering correctly.
Incorrect answers among younger respondents suggest that a good number of them underestimate the average benefit amount; or perhaps they’re already preparing for Social Security to run out. Among the 18- to 24-year-olds, nearly a quarter thought the average check was under $500 per month.
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Men and Women Were Roughly on the Same Page
Women may have a less optimistic view of what their retirement years will look like financially, and with good reason. In 2017, the average monthly Social Security check for a man was $1,503, whereas for a woman it was only $1,196. This is at least partly explained by the gender wage gap — the fact that working men tend to make more money than working women, which later reflects in the size of their Social Security payments.
Although roughly the same number of men and women chose the correct ranges for an average Social Security check, more women chose the $1,001-$1,500 option than the $1,501-$2,000 option. Moreover, 24% of women selected the $501-$1,000 answer, compared to only 13% of men who thought the same.
Americans Struggle To Sort Out Certain Social Security Rules
The survey results indicate that there’s a lot of confusion around how Social Security benefits operate. Many respondents did not understand how Social Security benefits work for disabled people, or that Social Security pays evenly between men and women. Additionally, one-fifth of respondents believed that only one spouse can collect Social Security benefits at a time.
Many Are Not Quite Up To Speed on Social Security Disability
Today’s 20-year-olds have more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before they reach age 67, the Social Security Administration reported. However, the 18-24 age group was one of the least likely to know that you can receive Social Security benefits if you’re disabled as long as you worked in jobs covered by Social Security. The other age group that lacked knowledge in this area was 55- to 64-year-olds.
In the event you’re not quite up to speed on this particular aspect of Social Security disability, no worries — the Social Security Administration has you covered. Once you reach your full retirement age, your Social Security disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, and the amount stays the same. Respondents in the 65 and over age group scored the best on this question, with 41% of them answering correctly. Slightly more women than men answered correctly, at 38% and 37.20%, respectively.
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Social Security Spousal Benefits Were Also Unclear
An astonishing 43% of respondents didn’t know that you could receive Social Security benefits in conjunction with your spouse — that is, if you’ve worked at a job covered by Social Security.
Eleven percent answered that they could receive benefits even if they’ve never worked at a job covered by Social Security, and another 11% responded that they could receive these benefits at any age. Over one-fifth of respondents believed they could not receive any Social Security benefits if their spouse was already receiving them.
Thankfully, this means that 57% of respondents answered correctly.
Women were a bit more likely to be right about this question. Over 58% selected the right answer as opposed to 56% of men, and only 18% of them selected the outright “No, I cannot receive any benefits” answer, as opposed to 24% of men.
Correct answers followed a predictable pattern across age groups, with 18- to 24-year-olds scoring lowest, with only 42% answering correctly, and the 65-plus group scoring highest, with 65% knowing the right answer.
Do Men and Women Receive Different Benefit Amounts?
This question tripped up around 41% of respondents, 5% of which answered that women made more in Social Security money, and 36% of which answered that men made more.
Survey Question: If a man and woman have identical earning histories, which one will receive the higher Social Security check?
Answer Options | Percentage of Respondents Who Chose This Answer |
The man | 35.65% |
The woman | 5.39% |
Neither, they will receive equal amounts | 58.96% |
The true correct answer is that, with identical earning histories, the man and the woman will receive the same amount in Social Security money. The Social Security Administration does not discriminate based upon gender. However, the same can’t be said for society in general.
A 2020 study on the gender pay gap by PayScale revealed that women are earning 81 cents for every dollar made by men. This translates to $900,000 lost on average over a 40-year career; which is actually a much bigger loss when you factor in the potential interest that could’ve accrued over that four-decade period.
So even though men and women who earned the same salaries will make the same in Social Security, men on average do receive larger Social Security checks than women. In that context, 36% of respondents who answered “The man” may have been onto something.
Many Believe Social Security Will Never Run Out
When asked what year Social Security is expected to run out, over one-fifth of respondents answered, “It will not run out.”
This is a troubling belief to possess, given that the Social Security Administration acknowledges its reserves will be depleted by the year 2037. Other sources, such as AARP, place that time nearer to 2035. Although this doesn’t signify the total end of Social Security, if taxes stay where they’re at, beneficiaries will only receive about 76% of their scheduled benefits.
It may also become harder for the SSA to pony up the money for retirees if so many working Americans continue to be out of jobs.
Respondents in the 35-44 and 55-64 age groups were the most correct on this question, with 43% and 42% selecting the right answer, respectively. Interestingly, almost one-quarter of 55- to 64-year-olds went the opposite way, answering that Social Security will never run out. Meanwhile, 27% of those 65 and over believe they don’t need to worry about their Social Security checks.
As far as gender goes, more men (22%) than women (20%) believe that Social Security will never run out, and more women gave the correct answer, although by a very marginal amount.
Americans Need To Brush Up on Their Social Security Knowledge
Many Americans are woefully unprepared to take full advantage of the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. And given that 64% have less than $10,000 stashed in retirement savings, it seems more important than ever that they understand how Social Security works.
Overall, respondents didn’t have a good grasp on spousal or disability benefits, and a sizable chunk believed that Social Security will never run out. Unfortunately, it may come as a shock to them when their benefit amounts drop by nearly 25% — something currently projected to happen in 2037.
Most concerning was the fact that only 30% of survey takers knew the age at which they can start receiving Social Security benefits. Unless Americans want to lose out on this money, they need to educate themselves on when they’ll be taking Social Security and how much of their income it’ll represent.
A good way to start is by creating a “my Social Security” account on the Social Security Administration site. It’s a convenient way for future beneficiaries to learn more about Social Security and how it fits into their retirement planning. More importantly, it allows you to view your Social Security statement and an estimate of your future benefits.
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Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.
Last updated: Sept. 24, 2020
Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed 1,021 Americans aged 18 and older from across the country between Sept. 9, 2020, and Sept. 10, 2020, asking six different questions: (1) When is the earliest you can start claiming Social Security benefits?; (2) What is the average Social Security benefit amount?; (3) If a man and woman have identical earnings histories, which one will receive the higher Social Security check?; (4) When is Social Security expected to run out?; (5) If your spouse receives Social Security (SS) benefits can you also receive benefits?; and (6) Can someone receive Social Security (SS) benefits if they’re disabled?. GOBankingRates used Survata’s survey platform to conduct the poll.
Social Security is a simple concept. You pay Social Security taxes while you work, and when you retire, you receive payments for the rest of your life. However, as with any government program, there is a complex web of regulations and requirements surrounding Social Security.
To help you better navigate the maze of Social Security, GOBankingRates developed a quiz to see how much you know about the program — and how much more you might need to learn. Take this Social Security quiz to find out if you’re really ready for retirement.
1. When Is the Best Time to File for Social Security?
a) As early as possible (currently, age 62)
b) At “full retirement age” (currently, age 66 to 67, depending on your birth year)
c) As late as possible (currently, age 70)
d) It depends
This question is probably the most debated question of all when it comes to Social Security. Which one is the right answer? Click through to see.
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Answer: d) It depends
There are numerous reasons to claim Social Security early. For starters, you get your money sooner rather than later. If you don’t plan on living a long life, you might be ahead of the game by taking your money sooner. If you’re married, you can make a plan where one spouse claims early and the other claims later.
The earliest you can claim your Social Security benefits is age 62. However, if you can wait, your benefit will increase by as much as 8 percent every year that you delay, up to age 70.
2. When Will Social Security Stop Paying Benefits?
a) In 2020
b) In 2035
c) Never
The future of the Social Security trust fund is a worrying concern for many Americans, especially in the face of ominous reports in the press about its solvency. So, when exactly will this hallowed American institution run dry?
Answer: c) Never
This is a bit of a trick question, but the idea that Social Security one day will stop paying anything at all is one of the biggest Social Security myths out there.
True, the Board of Trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund project that funds will be depleted in 2035. However, there will still be millions of workers paying Social Security taxes to fund the program. Without any changes, the Trustees project that Social Security will still pay 75 percent of its benefits — even if the trust fund goes to zero in 2035.
3. How Should I Maximize Income in Retirement?
a) “File and suspend”
b) Delay filing for retirement benefits
c) Continue working in retirement
d) None of the above
These all seem like viable options for maximizing your retirement income. Let’s take a look at which is the most prudent.
Answer: d) None of the above
Under “file and suspend,” also called “deemed filing,” the Social Security Administration allowed workers to file for a retirement benefit and then immediately suspend it, earning a spousal benefit while their own retirement benefit grew every year. That loophole was closed in 2015, so (a) is no longer an option.
Under option (b) filing later, you’re guaranteed to receive a higher payment for the rest of your life — but you won’t receive it until age 70. Working in retirement can be an option, but it can also reduce your Social Security payments or make them taxable, so it’s not a sure answer either.
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4. When Can I File for Social Security?
a) Age 62, but only if retired
b) Age 62, but only if still working
c) Age 62, 67 or 70
d) Any age from 62 to 70
Some workers think they should file for Social Security the day they retire. Others think there is a specific age that is required. So what’s the answer? Click through and see.
Answer: d) Any age from 62 to 70
Age 62 is the earliest that anyone can file for Social Security. Currently, between age 66 and 67 is “full retirement age,” when the standard benefit is paid. Age 70 is the latest age that a worker can file.
However, you are permitted to file anytime between age 62 and 70, whether you are working or not — although your benefit might be affected if you’re not retired.
5. Can My Spouse Earn Social Security Benefits If He or She Never Worked?
a) Yes, even if I didn’t qualify for Social Security
b) Yes, but only if I qualified for Social Security
c) No, unless I qualified for Social Security
d) (b) and (c) only
Spousal benefits are an important part of the Social Security equation. But how does a spouse qualify? Does working status play a role? Click through to find out.
Answer: d) (b) and (c) only
A spousal benefit is meant for the spouse of a working taxpayer. A spouse’s benefit is up to 50 percent of the primary taxpayer’s benefits, so if you don’t qualify for retirement benefits, your spouse doesn’t qualify for spousal benefits.
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6. Can Upcoming Changes to Social Security Affect Me?
a) No, once you file, your benefit is not subject to change
b) Yes, if I have already filed and there is an inflation adjustment
c) Yes, if I am still working I might be subject to more tax
d) Both (b) and (c)
Social Security is the subject of constant attention, from consumers and politicians alike. Many ways to fix or change Social Security are often bandied about, so do you need to worry about changes to your Social Security payments, either before or after you file? Let’s find out on the next page.
Answer: d) Both (b) and (c)
Your benefit payments can always increase due to the cost-of-living adjustment tied to inflation, making (a) false and (b) true.
However, if you’re still working, you might be subject to more tax if the Social Security tax base is increased. In 2018, for example, you’ll pay Social Security taxes on earnings up to $128,700, up from $127,200 in 2017.
7. Does My Social Security Payment Get Adjusted Annually?
a) Yes, if there’s a cost-of-living adjustment
b) Yes, if the Social Security Trust Fund earns additional income
c) No, my payments are fixed for life
For many Americans, Social Security is a prime source of retirement income. But does that income ever go up, or are you stuck with what you’re getting now for the rest of your life? Make your choice and see the answer.
Answer: a) Yes, if there’s a cost-of-living adjustment
The Social Security Trust Fund isn’t a mutual fund, where you get paid more if the fund has a good year; nor do you benefit if more workers flood the market and pay more in Social Security taxes. However, you will benefit from occasional cost-of-living adjustments, based on the rate of inflation. For 2018, for example, benefits will rise 2 percent.
8. Will I Get Paid Back the Same Amount in Retirement That I Put in While Working?
a) No, you will receive more
b) Yes, what you pay in is what you receive back
c) No, you will receive less
d) It depends on how long you live
Social Security seems like a simple concept — you put money in the trust fund over the course of your life. When you retire, you get paid that money back. But is that how it really works? See the next slide for the answer.
Answer: d) It depends on how long you live — but a) is usually also true
Take a look at this sample calculation: If you earn $50,000 a year for 30 years, you’ll be paying $3,100 per year in Social Security taxes, or $93,000 overall. At that level of career earnings, you’ll qualify for a Social Security benefit of $1,846.74 per month if you start taking benefits at age 66 years and 2 months. After just over 50 months, you’ll have received back more than you put into Social Security — $94,183.74.
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9. Can My Benefits Be Reduced After I File?
a) Yes, if you continue working and are younger than the full Social Security retirement age
b) Yes, if the Social Security Trust Fund becomes insolvent
c) No, your payments are guaranteed
d) Both (a) and (b)
So, once you file for Social Security, you are home-free, right? Maybe, maybe not. Can things change after you file for your benefits? Make your choice, and find out the answer on the next slide.
Answer: d) Both (a) and (b)
If you work after you file and have not yet reached full retirement age, Social Security will dock your payments by $1 for every $2 you earn above the threshold level, which is $16,920 as of 2017. If the Social Security fund becomes insolvent, your benefits won’t go to zero. But because there will be less money to pay benefits, your benefit is likely to be reduced.
10. Are My Social Security Benefits Taxable?
a) Never
b) Always
c) Yes, but only if you earn above a certain amount
When you get paid wages or a salary, you expect to pay income tax on those earnings. But Social Security is just returning your tax payment you have already made, so they can’t be taxable, right? Make your choice, and check out the answer.
Answer: c) Yes, but only if you earn above a certain amount
The good news is that no matter how much you earn, you won’t pay tax on more than 85 percent of your Social Security payments. The bad news is that if you earn more than $34,000 as an individual, or more than $44,000 as a couple filing jointly, you will pay tax on 85 percent of your Social Security benefits. To pay no tax at all, you’ll have to earn less than $25,000 or $32,000, respectively.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Americans Don’t Understand These Facts About Social Security
