Who is covered?
The majority of workers in the US are covered by Social Security. Therefore, a simpler question might be “Who isn’t covered.” One exception would be railroad workers. Instead of standard Social Security, these employees receive coverage from the Railroad Retirement System.
Your start date might also effect your coverage. Those who became apart of the federal government’s work force before 1984 would not be automatically covered through Social Security either. In 1987 there was a transitional period that gave these workers the option to switch over to Social Security.
Who is administering SS or OASDI program?
Simply: The Social Security Administration. Information on how to use their services is probably much more useful to those seeking to start their coverage. Fortunately, www.ssa.gov has become a more reliable source for their services and will continue to improve. Their local offices are also a common recourse for every type of SS benefit. Our local office here in Vancouver is at 805 Broadway St, Vancouver, WA 98660. Or, if you prefer to talk to someone from home, you can call their toll free line at 1-800-772-1213.
Are my benefits subject to taxation?
Whether or not Social Security income is subject to federal taxation is determined by two things: filing status and the income’s base amount. A maximum of half the SS benefits can be taxed for base amounts of $32,000 for married taxpayers or 25,000 for unmarried.
Should I continue to work to add to my Social Security Benefits?
Before you decide to continue work based on wanting to increase your SS Income, consider what years will bring in your highest earnings. The system for calculating your benefits uses the highest 35 years of income. If your income now will be included in the highest 35, then it will continue to build your benefits. However, if earnings will be less than it will no longer be contributing.
