Social Security Guides
- Jun 15, 2025
How much Social Security will I get based on my income?
A series of guides estimating your Social Security benefits based on different annual income levels.
- Apr 29, 2025
Navigating Social Security During Administrative Changes
If you've tried to access Social Security services recently, you may have encountered longer wait times, website outages, or difficulty reaching representatives. These challenges are not coincidental but stem from significant administrative changes implemented by the Trump administration in 2025.
- Feb 26, 2023
Social Security Work Credits
Social Security work credits determine your eligibility for benefits. This guide explains how these credits are earned throughout your working life and the number required to qualify for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
- Sep 12, 2023
Possible causes of Parsing Errors
SSA.tools relies on accurate parsing of your earnings record from the Social Security Administration's website. If your earnings data isn't loading correctly, this guide identifies common reasons for parsing errors and provides troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them.
- Sep 6, 2023
Deep look at Spousal Benefits and Filing Dates
Spousal Benefits are sometimes commonly misunderstood to be equal to half of the other spouse's benefit. This guide takes a deep dive into how spousal benefits are calculated and how different filing dates can affect the final benefit calculation in confusing ways.
- Aug 18, 2023
Navigate the Filing Date Chart
The SSA.tools calculator features a detailed chart illustrating how different Social Security filing dates impact your benefit amount. This guide demystifies the chart, helping you interpret its data to make informed decisions about when to claim your benefits.
- Aug 11, 2023
Will Social Security Run Out?
And what happens if it does? Learn more about the Social Security Trust Fund, how it's slowly running out, and how what happens next could affect your benefits.
- Apr 29, 2023
Bump in delayed benefits after January
If you delay claiming Social Security benefits past your Normal Retirement Age, you earn delayed retirement credits. This guide explains a specific nuance: a small portion of these credits may be delayed until the January following the year you become eligible, impacting your initial payments.
- Dec 4, 2022
Federal Taxation of Social Security Benefits
A Comprehensive Guide to Calculating the Taxability of Social Security Benefits Based on AGI.
- Jun 26, 2022
International Agreements
Working abroad can impact your Social Security benefits. This guide explains how international agreements, known as Totalization Agreements, coordinate Social Security coverage and benefits between the U.S. and other countries, helping you understand your eligibility.
- Jun 5, 2022
Rules for those born on the 1st or 2nd of the month
Social Security rules can sometimes have surprising details. This guide explains a specific regulation that affects individuals born on the 1st or 2nd day of the month, potentially impacting their eligibility for benefits or the timing of their payments.
- Dec 28, 2020
Why does ssa.tools use the current year's indexing factors for someone younger than 62?
The Social Security Administration uses indexing factors to adjust past earnings for inflation. This guide delves into why SSA.tools uses current year indexing factors for younger individuals, rather than projected future factors, and the implications of this approach for benefit estimates.
- Dec 1, 2020
The effect of AWI declining in 2020 due to Covid
The Average Wage Index (AWI) plays a crucial role in calculating Social Security benefits. This guide examines how the unexpected decline in AWI during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic specifically impacts the lifetime benefits of individuals born in 1960.
- Nov 28, 2020
Earnings Caps
Social Security applies an annual earnings cap, meaning income above a certain threshold is not subject to Social Security taxes and does not count towards your benefit calculation. This guide explains how these earnings caps work, their historical changes, and their impact on your Social Security benefits.
- Aug 3, 2019
Maximum Benefits
Curious about the highest possible Social Security benefit? This guide explains the factors that determine the maximum monthly payment, including your earnings history and the age at which you claim benefits, providing insight into the upper limits of Social Security.
- Nov 23, 2018
Social Security and Inflation
Inflation significantly impacts the value of your Social Security benefits. This guide differentiates between two key types of inflation—wage increases and the Consumer Price Index—and explains how each uniquely influences the calculation and purchasing power of your Social Security payments.