Social Security Q&A

Published Saturday, March 20, 2004

Q: Are Social Security retirement benefits based on your highest three years of earnings, or your last five years of earnings? I have heard it explained both ways.

A: Neither answer is correct. Your Social Security retirement benefit represents a percentage of your average inflation-adjusted income using your 35 highest years of earnings.

Q: I just got my first Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payment. Is there a time limit on how long I will receive these benefits?

A: You will continue to receive SSI benefits indefinitely, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. In other words, you will get SSI checks as long as you continue to be disabled and your income and assets remain below the thresholds in your state.
