Social Security
Social Security is a federal government program that may provide you with monthly retirement benefits between the ages of 62 and 70. The amount of your social security benefit depends on the age you start receiving benefits and your earnings over your working career. Employees are required to contribute a percentage of each paycheck, as is Northrop Grumman.
For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website.
You begin receiving your reduced Social Security benefit as early as age 62. View the chart below to determine the age at which you’re eligible to receive your full Social Security benefit.
The amount of your Social Security benefit is determined by:
- Your age at the time you start receiving benefits
- Your earnings averaged over most of your working career, including the years you didn’t work but had the ability to do so, up to age 62
Age You Can Receive Your Full Social Security Benefit
|
Year of Birth |
Age Eligible to Receive Your Full SS Benefit |
|---|---|
|
1937 or earlier |
65 |
|
1938 |
65 and 2 months |
|
1939 |
65 and 4 months |
|
1940 |
65 and 6 months |
|
1941 |
65 and 8 months |
|
1942 |
65 and 10 months |
|
1943 - 1954 |
66 |
|
1955 |
66 and 2 months |
|
1956 |
66 and 4 months |
|
1957 |
66 and 6 months |
|
1958 |
66 and 8 months |
|
1959 |
66 and 10 months |
|
1960 and later |
67 |
You should apply for Social Security three months before you want your benefits to begin. You can apply one of three ways:
-
Online - visit the Social Security Administration website to access the application for retirement benefits.
-
Over the phone - call the Social Security office at 800-772-1213.
- In person - make an appointment at your local Social Security office by calling 800-772-1213.
When you apply for Social Security benefits, you may need original or certified copies of the following:
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Your most recent W-2 form
- If you were in the military, your military discharge papers
- If you’re married and applying for spouse benefits, your marriage certificate, your spouse’s birth certificate and your spouse’s Social Security number
- If you’re applying for children’s benefits, your children’s birth certificates and their Social Security numbers
- If you (or your spouse or child for whom you’re applying for benefits) were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
- The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account
When you submit your documents, make sure to keep copies for yourself. If you don’t have all the required documents, contact your local Social Security office for assistance.
The Social Security Retirement Benefit Estimator is an online tool that offers a personalized estimate of your Social Security benefit based on your earnings.