Social Security Q&A

Q.: What is the estimated average Social Security payment that a person receives each month?

A.: 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.

Q.: My spouse doesn’t have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Can they qualify on my record?

A.: A spouse receives one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, the amount of the spouse’s benefit is reduced by a percentage based on the number of months before he or she reaches full retirement age.

Q.: I haven’t received my Social Security Statement in the mail the last few years. Will I ever get one again?

A.: We currently mail Social Security Statements (Statement) to workers aged 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a personal my Social Security account. We mail the statements three months prior to your birthday. Anyone can access their statement online if they have a personal my Social Security account. We encourage you to create your own account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and check your statement at your convenience.

Q.: I noticed that my date of birth in Social Security’s records is wrong. How do I get that corrected?

A.: To change the date of birth shown on our records, take the following steps: complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), show us documents proving: U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship with us), age and identity.