German armies used the Skull & Cross bones many times. In the image above we see the Totenkopf, a German word for the deathmanÂ´s head. This is an old symbol of momenti mori. It consists usually of the skull and the mandible of the human skeleton.
You generally need to work for 10 years to qualify for benefits (unless youâre receiving benefits through a spouse -- see How Spouses Can Maximize Social Security Benefits for more information). The maximum earnings that count toward your benefit are $118,500 in 2015.
If Ed's Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $2,200 per month, let's look at his options. Ed's first option is to wait until July (his full retirement age) to start his Social Security benefits. He'll get $2,200 per month for six months or $13,200 for the year 2016. Ed's second option is to file for Social Security in January. Starting his benefits slightly early, his monthly rate is reduced to $2,130.