Earnings determine what benefits will be
Social Security Q&A

Comments 0
Published: November 8, 2009

Q: I worked for the last 10 years, and I now have my 40 credits of coverage for Social Security. Does this mean that I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?

A: No. While eligibility for benefits is based on having 40 credits, the amount of your benefit is based on how much you earned over your lifetime. We determine your average earnings over your working years and use a special formula set by law to determine your benefit amount. For most people their benefit amount is an average of the highest 35 years of earnings. To learn more, read our online publication, How You Earn Credits, online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Card validation

Q: I run a small business and I plan to hire a few employees. How can I verify that the Social Security card is valid?

A: There are more than 50 different versions of the Social Security card, all of which are valid. And, until 1976, original cards and replacement cards were different. Although there are many versions of the card in circulation, all prior versions of the card are valid. In any case, it is the Social Security number that is important. The best way for employers to verify a name and Social Security number is to use the free Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS).

Once an employer registers for Business Services Online (BSO) at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso the employer can start using the service. The service allows them to quickly verify whether a person’s name and number match Social Security’s records. You can also use the new Telephone Number Employment Verification System (TNEV) to verify numbers at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Go online to learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.