Question: How much will I receive if I am approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: The amount of your SSI payment depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible person is $967 a month and $1,450 a month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-benefits-ussi.htm.
Question: I recently retired and am approaching the age when I can start receiving Medicare. What is the monthly premium for Medicare Part B?
Answer: In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium for medical insurance is $185.00 per month. Some people with higher incomes must pay higher monthly premiums for their Medicare coverage. You can get details at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Question: How do I earn Social Security credits, and how many do I need to be eligible for benefits?
Answer: We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for (1) credit in 2025 is $1,810. You must earn $7,240 to get the maximum of (4) credits for the year. The amount needed to earn (1) credit usually increases each year when average wages increase.
-To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must earn a certain number of credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.
Question: What is “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA)?
Answer: We use the term “Substantial Gainful Activity” or “SGA” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves performing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both.
-If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we generally consider you to be engaging in SGA. For example, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620. For a statutorily blind person, that amount is $2,700. In these cases, you would not be eligible for disability benefits if you made more than those amounts. You can read more about substantial gainful activity and determine if your earnings are considered SGA at www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html.
Question: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes on my income?
Answer: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year, Social Security automatically credits the latest earnings. If your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit–your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Question: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement?
Answer: You can get your personal Social Security Statement (Statement) online by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one on our website. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your recent earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits you and your family may be eligible for.
To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
We also mail statements to workers aged 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not have a personal my Social Security account. We mail the statements 3-months prior to your birthday.
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