General

Full question: I’m thinking about retiring in June. Will my benefit be based on the half year or my last year’s earnings? Hello, Your retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, after being adjusted for inflation, and then also on the age you begin collecting. Here are more details on how…

Hello, Federal law requires electronic SSA payments for benefits, and as of September 30, 2025, phased out paper checks entirely, requiring direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card. Paper checks are only allowed in very limited, exceptional cases, such as for individuals with specific disabilities or those living in remote areas. Take care, Martha

Full question: Who do I give my bank routing number to? How can I get my Social Security check drafted to my Bank of America account? You have three options to set up direct deposit at your bank: 1.    Online: Log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, navigate to “Benefit & Payment Details,” and select the option…

Full question: Hello. I get disability and supplemental security income. I was wondering if i can put my sister as a beneficiary on my checking and savings account if something happens to me unexpectedly. And I was looking at the form I requested from my bank to look at it and is joint owner of…

Full question: Hello Martha, I’m using the Online Benefits Calculator to determine my monthly retirement benefit. After filling out all the inputs of income and entering a retirement age of 60 it spits out a monthly retirement benefit, but it doesn’t tell you what the age it corresponds to. Can you please assist in telling…

Hello, Having less than 40 quarters of credit means that your wife has not yet met the minimum threshold for her own Social Security retirement benefits, which requires 40 credits (typically 10 years of work). However, she may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your Social Security record if you are receiving retirement…