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.
Retirees will see a 3.6 percent increase in their Social Security checks in 2012, with the typical retiree getting about $43 more each month. For most people, only a small portion of that boost will be deducted from Social Security checks to pay for higher Medicare Part B premiums. Some people will even get more than 3.6 percent added to their Social Security checks next year because their Part B premiums will decrease. Here's how Medicare Part B premiums will affect your Social Security checks in 2012.