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.
Comments and Questions. The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit for January 2016 is $1,341. The amount changes monthly. When youâre ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, easiest, and most convenient way to apply. More Information.