ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income

Just how much money will I get when I retire?

That depends on how much money you have earned over your lifetime, your age at the time of retirement, and other factors.

Every year, three months before your birthday, the Social Security Administration will send you "Your Social Security Statement," which will list your annual credited earnings and the amount of your estimated retirement and disability benefits. It's a good idea to check this statement carefully, not only to see how your benefits might change, but also to make sure your employers have been depositing to the Social Security Administration your share and theirs of the Social Security tax.